Silicone Moulds
Vacuum casting (silicone moulds)
Vacuum casting is a solution used to manufactured short functional series with characteristics very similar to the thermoplastics on the market. The raw material used in the parts – polyurethane resin – can be dyed before the vacuum casting to obtain the required RAL colour on the exterior and interior.
This technology requires an epoxy resin master manufactured using stereolithography. The surface quality and the dimensional precision of the master are decisive factors for the quality of vacuum cast parts. The master is submerged in silicone inside a vacuum machine to ensure the absence of bubbles and correct contact with all the master’s surfaces.
After curing, the silicone is cut down to the master and the mould is separated in as few pieces as possible, in order release it correctly. The silicone mould is then used again in the vacuum machine to cast the chosen polyurethane resin. Afterward, the polyurethane resin is left to cure to obtain the final product. In some cases a post-process may also be required to ensure the client’s specifications are met.
Two-component polyurethane is the material most commonly used to make vacuum cast copies. This technology makes it possible to produce high-quality parts in a short amount of time. Vacuum casting is a production technology used for short series (from 10 to 20 units per mould) or functional plastic prototypes.
Applications of vacuum casting
Rapid 3D Prototyping
End-use Parts
Industries that use vacuum casting
Advantages of vacuum casting
Highly detailed shapes.
Large-scale parts are no problem for Pantur, as we are fully equipped to manufacture them. Our group of machines includes one of the largest on the market, which allows us to build parts with a 650x750x550 mm casing in one piece. However, manufacturing even larger parts is no problem either, as we are experienced in manufacturing them in stages for subsequent assembly.
Series of 10 to 100 units (depending on size).
Professional finishes.
At Pantur we know that the difference between a prototype and a great prototype is the finish, which is why we work to ensure our clients have a wide range of finishes available. Pantur offers hand finishes, industrial paint, cosmetic paint, textured paint, metallic paint and many other finishes. We also place our team of professionals with extensive experience in finishes at the service of our clients.
Large range of materials with specific technical characteristics.
Pantur is proud to offer a wide range of resins, so our clients are sure to find the one that best suits their physical, mechanical or thermal requirements.
