Vacuümgieten

Vacuümgieten, also known as vacuum casting or urethane casting, is a manufacturing process used to produce low-volume quantities of high-quality plastic parts. It is particularly well-suited for creating prototypes, pre-production runs, and end-use parts when injection molding is not economically viable. The process begins with creating a master pattern, often produced using 3D printing or CNC machining. From this master pattern, a silicone mold is made. The silicone mold is then used to cast polyurethane resins.

The casting process involves placing the silicone mold into a vacuum chamber. Molten polyurethane resin is poured into the mold under vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air bubbles, ensuring a void-free casting and a high-fidelity reproduction of the master pattern's details. Once the resin has cured, the mold is opened, and the finished part is removed. Silicone molds can typically produce between 20 to 50 parts, depending on the complexity of the part and the type of resin used.

Vacuümgieten offers several advantages, including the ability to replicate intricate details, create parts with a smooth surface finish, and use a wide range of polyurethane materials that can mimic the properties of many engineering plastics, such as ABS, polycarbonate, and rubber. This makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring specific material properties, such as flexibility, impact resistance, or high-temperature performance. The relatively short lead times and lower tooling costs compared to injection molding make vacuümgieten an efficient solution for rapid prototyping and small-scale production.