Table of Contents
What is vacuum casting?
Vacuum casting machines from Renishaw allow engineers and designers to produce high quality parts. Vacuum casting is a highly versatile technology capable of producing parts in a range of polyurethane (PU) resins and cast nylon, to replicate and replace engineering polymers for prototypes and low-volume production.
How is vacuum casting done?
The process starts by placing a two piece silicone mold in a vacuum chamber. The raw material is mixed with degassed and then poured into the mold. The vacuum is then released and the mold removed from the chamber. Finally, the casting is cured in an oven and the mold removed to release the completed casting.
What materials can be vacuum cast?
Vacuum Casting materials can simulate the following production materials and properties:
- Rubber – high flexibility.
- ABS – high rigidity and strength.
- Polypropylene and HDPR – high elasticity.
- Polyamide and glass filled nylon – high rigidity.
What are the limitations of vacuum casting?
Production Restriction: Vacuum casting is born for low volume production. The crash silicone mold has a short lifespan. It can produce as many as 50 parts.
What is centrifugal casting process?
The centrifugal casting method is the method to produce pipes by pouring molten metal into a rapidly spinning cylindrical mold in which centrifugal force from the rotation exerts pressure on the molten metal.
What is squeeze casting process?
Squeeze casting, also called liquid forging, is a hybrid metal forming process that combines permanent mold casting with die forging in a single step in which a specific amount of molten metal alloy is poured into a preheated and lubricated die and subsequently forged and solidified under pressure.
What are the advantages of vacuum casting?
Advantages and disadvantages of vacuum casting
- Shapes with smooth surfaces can be produced.
- Quality of the samples comparable to mass-produced injection molded parts.
- Inexpensive and short-term mold production.
- High reproduction accuracy.
- Various casting resins available that simulate series plastics.
What are the advantages of vacuum forming?
Benefits of Vacuum Forming for Low Volume Manufacturing
- Highly detailed formed products are possible in a range of sizes.
- Higher production speeds than fabricated assemblies.
- Reduced equipment costs for large parts as large parts do not require high tonnage presses as would be true for injection molding.