The Process of Vacuum Casting Functional Prototypes
Vacuum casting is a popular manufacturing process for creating functional prototypes. It involves creating a mold of the desired object and then injecting liquid material, such as polyurethane, into the mold under vacuum. Once the material has hardened, the mold is removed, and a functional prototype is created.
Here are the steps involved in vacuum casting prototyping:
Create a 3D CAD model of the desired object: Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model of the object you want to prototype.
Create a mold: Use the 3D CAD model to create a mold. The mold can be made from various materials, such as silicone or polyurethane.
Prepare the mold: Apply a release agent to the mold to prevent the liquid material from sticking to it.
Mix the liquid material: Mix the liquid material according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pour the material into the mold: Pour the mixed liquid material into the mold. Make sure the mold is completely filled, and tap the mold to remove any air bubbles.
Place the mold under vacuum: Place the mold into a vacuum chamber, and apply a vacuum to remove any remaining air bubbles.
Cure the material: Allow the material to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Remove the mold: Once the material has cured, remove the mold from the vacuum chamber, and carefully remove the prototype from the mold.
Finish the prototype: Remove any excess material or flashing from the prototype, and finish it as desired.
Vacuum casting is a cost-effective way to create functional prototypes, especially if you only need a small number of precision mechanical parts. It is also ideal for creating prototypes that have complex shapes or features that cannot be easily achieved with other manufacturing processes.