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vacuum casting rapid prototyping

vacuum casting rapid prototyping

Vacuum casting rapid prototyping

In many cases, casting metal in the natural environment produces quality stuff, but in some instances metal makers have figured out how to achieve optimal cast components. By using a vacuum casting technology to evacuate air in an enclosed area, either to produce a mold, pour castings or melt metal with complex and difficult properties. Vacuum casting is an additive procession used in conjunction with a stereo lithographic model and a silicon form that allows us to produce polyurethane castings models quickly. 

How Does It Works

Firstly, we converted the papers or physical models to the 3D data; also, we are willing to help you to meet your needs according to different situations. Then our skilled engineers start to design the silicon molds by analyzing data. When the craft has been established, CNC machining and SLA are there to producing the mockups.

Craft Procession

A silicon form is placed into a vacuum chamber and is filled with polyurethane. During this process, the silicon mold stay in a constant heating chamber, and then warming up to  60-70℃and then deforming and solidification are executed in the next procedures.

 

The vacuum sucks out any air trapped inside the silicon form, making sure that there are no air bubbles in the manufacturing. Also, gas vents are digging during this procession. After that, our excellent teams will help you realize your customized requirements. Considering the complexity of the prototype, generally, each of a silicon form can produce 10 to 20 pieces.

 

KAIAO focus on every detail to provide the best services and perfect products to clients, so finishing making including: polishing, silk screening, laser etching, chrome plating and more. And this allows the production of high-quality, complex prototypes for numerous purposes such as functionality tests.

Material Selection

The variety of polyurethanes available is so great that almost any material used in the finished product can be imitated using this process. Products used to copy material: PU, imported PU, transparent PU, soft PU, ABS, PP, and PC. It is even possible to create transparent, strengthened, colored and rubber prototypes.

 

With our Vacuum Casting Machines, we can produce standard parts as well as shaped parts (such as bearing sleeves or stud bolts) and reproduce the prototypes with original color, texture and geometries from prototypes to components. These plastic castings will represent the mechanical properties of the production parts from a steel mold.  
At KAIAO we can produce parts to extremely fine levels of detail. Our aim is to satisfy any tool maker’s production tooling requirement.
Find more about vacuum casting information, free for contact us.

Molding Ofbig Size Parts

The maximum volume of our Vacuum Casting Machine is: (2.0m x 1.2 m x 1.0m).  KAIAO provides Low Volume Short Run Productions of instrument boards, door panels, as well as Automotive Interiors and Exteriors.  The Size Precision of parts is controlled to ±0.2mm positioning accuracy and the Locating Hole, ±0.4mm positioning accuracy of the mounting hole.  The parts can meet the durability requirements of a 10,000km Road Test.

Low Volume Pre-production Of Complex Designs

At KAIAO, innovation and creative efforts are always ongoing so that we can find better ways to improve our production processes.  We believe in implementing our successful Silicone Tooling techniques and Vacuum Casting methods which are recognized by our clients.

• Over Molding is an advanced process of casting around and/or through Cores that are inserted into the Cavities of Molds, resulting in the production of Individual parts made of multiple materials.  Typically, a soft PU Resin is cast around and/or through a hard PU Resin to produce one part with two different Durometers and Colors.  Additionally, transparent parts such as PMMA lenses can be cast directly into housings.  This process allows for Hand Held products and Electronic Devices to be manufactured to meet (Vibration Minimizing, Impact Resistant, and Water Resistant) Functional Requirements.

• Metal Part Inserting is a mechanical process where PU Resins are cast around and/or through Metal Parts that have been inserted into Mold Cavities to produce IN-MOLD ASSEMBLED PARTS.  Machined Metal Parts, Stamped Metal Parts, Cast Metal Parts, as well as Brass Inserts can all be Over Molded to improve the mechanical strength, durability, and usability of parts with Functional Requirements.

• Melt Molding is a special process where Cores are cast using Wax or Low Melt Temperature Alloys.  These Cores are then placed inside the Mold Cavities.  The Over Molded Parts are removed from the Molds with the Cores still inside.  The Cores are then melted out using a heat gun and/or hot water.  Through this process, complex radiator pipes and corrugated tubing can be custom manufactured.

• The Coloration of Cast Parts is a creative process where Colors are added directly into the PU Resins to make IN-MOLD COLORED PARTS.  To Achieve IN-MOLD Texture and Gloss, we apply 2K paint onto the surface of the Master Patterns, which is copied into the Silicone Tool, allowing for parts to be produced with minimal Post Production Finishing and are similar to Plastic Injection Molding.

Flexible and Economical Production through Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting, also known as urethane casting, presents an innovative approach that combines silicone molds with a 3D-printed master pattern. This combination facilitates the production of short-run, robust components characterized by the quality expected in full-scale manufacturing. The method involves the curing of thermoplastic polyurethane within epoxy or silicone molds. Consequently, vacuum casting yields parts that perfectly replicate the shapes of the original master models. The precise dimensions of these vacuum-cast components are contingent upon factors such as the master model specifics, part geometry, and chosen materials.
As an esteemed manufacturer specializing in vacuum casting, Kaiao-RPRT proudly offers an economical solution for crafting top-notch plastic parts. This cutting-edge technology eliminates the necessity for costly initial investments, providing a cost-effective avenue. Our vacuum casting services provide a comprehensive package for fabricating prototypes of exceptional quality as well as low-volume production components.

Why Choose Vacuum Casting

Unparalleled Lead Time Efficiency

Leveraging our extensive technical expertise and cutting-edge technologies, we excel in delivering top-tier urethane casting services with significantly reduced lead times.

Support for Intricate Geometries

Our utilization of premium elastomeric materials guarantees the production of vacuum-cast plastic components featuring intricate and complex structures. Our meticulous design assistance ensures that your prototypes and small-batch items closely emulate the desired final products.

Versatile Color Customization

We skillfully integrate various colour pigments to achieve your desired effects on the end products. Our diverse selection of colour options empowers you to make the perfect choice.

Diverse Material and Finishing Choices

Select from an extensive range of materials and surface finishes for your vacuum-cast parts. We provide the finest quality resins to ensure unmatched product excellence. Our comprehensive selection of surface finishing options adds vibrancy to your product's aesthetics.

Unwavering Quality Standards

Kaiao-RPRT takes pride in its ISO certification, which underscores our commitment to international quality benchmarks. We guarantee parts that meet the highest standards through meticulous manufacturing analysis and stringent quality control.

Expert Vacuum Casting Professionals

Enlist the services of dependable custom vacuum casting specialists who possess a wealth of experience and skill. Our accomplished team excels in fabrication, material curation, surface finishing, and other facets of the industry.

Vacuum Casting Tolerance Specifications

At Kaiao-RPRT, we present an array of vacuum casting tolerance options tailored to your specific needs. By considering factors such as the master pattern intricacies and part geometry, we achieve dimensional tolerances within the range of 0.2 – 0.4 millimeters. The subsequent details outline the technical specifications that govern our exceptional vacuum casting services.
 
   
   
   

Vacuum Casting Material Selection

Within the realm of Vacuum Casting Materials, a plethora of choices await, each tailored to the unique demands of your project. These resins mirror familiar plastic materials in performance and appearance, offering a seamless bridge between design and production. Our array of urethane casting materials is thoughtfully categorized, aiding your decision-making process.

ABS-Like

This versatile polyurethane resin emulates the characteristics of ABS thermoplastic. It exhibits hardness, rigidity, and remarkable impact resistance and is the ideal candidate for various product applications.

Acrylic-Like

With properties akin to acrylic, this rigid and transparent urethane resin stands as a formidable alternative. Possessing moderate to high strength and exceptional clarity, it's a prime choice for products that demand transparency.

Polypropylene-Like

Toughness and flexibility converge in this abrasion-resistant urethane. Displaying polypropylene-like flexibility, it offers resilience and cost-effectiveness in equal measure.

Polycarbonate-Like

Crafted to replicate polycarbonate's rigidity, high-impact nature, and transparency, this resin opens doors to diverse applications. Its machinability and finishing ease further mirror the properties of polycarbonate.

PMMA

Characterized by UV stability and exceptional clarity, this premium urethane resin is tailor-made for glossy, clear parts. Its performance serves as a timeless alternative to acrylic.

PS

Economical yet unwavering in impact strength, this resin family boasts an extensive range of options, making it a versatile contender.

Elastomer

In the realm of elastomers, our polyurethane resin takes the spotlight, mirroring the qualities of rubber-like materials such as TPU, TPE, and silicone rubber.

Surface Finishing Options for Vacuum Casted Components

Discover an expansive range of surface finishing possibilities at Kaiao-RPRT, designed to imbue your vacuum-casted parts with distinct surface layers. These finishes seamlessly align with your products' appearance, hardness, and chemical resistance criteria. Tailored to your chosen material and part applications, our selection encompasses the following

High Gloss

A reflective surface of utmost brilliance is achieved by meticulously polishing the master pattern before mould creation. This high-gloss finish boasts exceptional transparency, making it invaluable for cosmetic components, lenses, and surfaces requiring easy cleaning.

Semi-Gloss

Striking a balance between reflection and sheen, this B-grade finish offers a subtle luminance. Utilizing textured sandpaper, it delivers smooth and clean surfaces that bridge the gap between high-gloss and matte.With properties akin to acrylic, this rigid and transparent urethane resin stands as a formidable alternative. Possessing moderate to high strength and exceptional clarity, it's a prime choice for products that demand transparency.

Matte Finish

Vacuum-cast parts are endowed with a refined satin-like texture through bead or sandblasting of the master pattern. The C-grade matte finishes excel in high-touch areas and handheld elements, providing tactile comfort and visual sophistication.

Custom

Incorporating innovation, Kaiao-RPRT extends the opportunity for tailor-made finishes through supplementary processes—access distinctive secondary finishes upon request, paving the way for unparalleled outcomes.

Elastomer

In the realm of elastomers, our polyurethane resin takes the spotlight, mirroring the qualities of rubber-like materials such as TPU, TPE, and silicone rubber.
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