Common Challenges in Vacuum Casting and How to Overcome Them

 

Looking for a way to create high-quality parts without the expense and wait of production tooling? Vacuum casting (also known as cast urethanes) is a versatile technique for making everything from car bumpers to headphones. However, while it's an economical and advanced method for prototyping, it does have some challenges that can lead to poorly cast parts. Working with an experienced prototyping in China can help you prevent such issues.

In this blog, we will share the common challenges in cast urethanes and the solutions to overcome them. Read on to discover how to make vacuum casting work for you while avoiding any hassles.

Short mold lifespan

Keep in mind that silicone molds aren't designed for high-volume production — you'll usually get between 20 and 50 parts before the mold starts to degrade. We can look into alternative manufacturing solutions such as rapid injection molding if you require more parts.

Bubbles in the silicone mold

Bubbles render the mold useless, and since they can't be undone, we need to prevent them in the first place by pouring the silicone at an angle in smaller quantities, using an air compressor, applying pressure to the material, or using the vacuum chamber to degas the silicone.

Defects

All mold production techniques are prone to recurring errors, and cast urethanes are no different. Defects in the master mold will impact the replicated parts, and there is a chance of the entire production batch being rejected. The only way to overcome this is to be meticulous and observant throughout the vacuum casting process, from making the master model to the silicon tool and castings.

Material limits

Not all plastics are ideal for cast urethanes. The best plastics are those that can soften when heated and retain their shape when cooled. Additionally, some plastics like PVC may generate toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures and shouldn’t be used. Don’t worry — we can review your project and recommend the right materials.

Ask us about cast urethanes!

Our team at HLH Prototypes is ready to work with you to avoid the challenges in vacuum casting. Fill out the form for a project review.

Source URL: https://www.hlhprototypes.com/common-challenges-in-vacuum-casting-and-how-to-overcome-them/

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