Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting is the process by which prototypes and indeed production parts can be made through the use of a silicone rubber tool made from a master model. Effectively it is a way of copying a three dimensional shape quickly and accurately. Once a silicone rubber tool has been made it is filled in a vacuum with a choice of a polyurethane resin that will harden and replicate the characteristics of a whole host of industrial material properties.




PD Models offer an extensive and invaluable depth of experience with its vacuum casting service that can offer a real solution to low cost manufacture of prototypes and short run production parts that are often indistinguishable from the real thing. When you need parts that exactly replicate your final product vacuum casting is the process to use. Where you need low volume production quantities, which would not justify conventional steel tooling, we supply vacuum castings that can be used as your final product.


                                        
Colour can be added to any material, and we can match to a RAL or Pantone reference, or to a supplied sample. Transparent and water clear parts are also possible with a high degree of optical clarity .silver, gold and even brass or copper powders can be integrated into the castings for a realistic and cost effective metallic effect.
Materials can simulate a vast selection of industrial materials. ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, glass filled nylon, heat resistant and flexible elastomer rubber from shore 20 – 90A can all be achieved extremely accurately.

PD Models have a whole range of vacuum casting materials on stock to cover all eventualities for your product. Drawing from PD Models extensive knowledge of resins, all the products we use are chosen to fully reproduce the final product to a high degree of accuracy, without compromising your budget. We understand the importance of simulating industry materials as closely as possible, so you can have the confidence your product is performing as it should.

Range of resins-



PT Flex Range, A selection of resins that simulates rubbers  from 20-85 shore A
SG 95N - Standard clear ABS stimulant with excellent accuracy, suits most rigid applications.
PX 212 - a resin with good elasticity to simulate polypropylene and HDPE.
PX245 - very rigid resin designed to simulate polyamide and Glass filled Nylon.
VC 3341 - very rigid resin to simulate polycarbonate, shock resistant PMMA . a good choice for lenses as it is water clear. Also has very high heat deflection temperature.
FC 53 - standard fast cast resin, better for thicker wall sections and where cost is a factor.
PX330 - A good rigid resin to simulate a filled ABS when requiring a fire classification.

these are just a small range of the resins that we have access to. As with everything we do if you have a specific requirement please do not hesitate to call, our knowledgeable and experienced staff are at hand to accommodate your needs.