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Premium Vacuum Casting Services

Our Vacuum Casting services offer a precision alternative to traditional casting methods, providing high-quality prototypes and end-use products. Utilizing advanced technology, we ensure the production of intricate parts with smooth surfaces and tight tolerances. This process is ideal for small to medium batches, reducing costs and time-to-market without compromising on quality. Our expertise in material selection and post-processing allows us to cater to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods.

About Us

At ShenZhen GuoChangHong Precision Metal Co.,Ltd, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional vacuum casting services that meet the most stringent industry standards. With years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for businesses seeking precision and excellence in their casting needs. Our state-of-the-art facility and commitment to continuous improvement ensure that we stay at the forefront of casting technology.

Vacuum Casting Aluminum Services
Our Vacuum Casting Aluminum services
Vacuum Casting Metal Services
Our Vacuum Casting Metal services are
Vacuum Mold Casting Services
Our Vacuum Mold Casting services are

Reasons to Choose Our Vacuum Casting Services

Reason 1: Expert Craftsmanship

Title: Unparalleled Craftsmanship in Every Cast

We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every cast is perfect down to the micron. Our craftsmen's expertise guarantees the highest level of precision and surface finish in the industry.

Reason 2: Wide Material Selection

Title: Versatile Materials for Diverse Applications

We offer a wide array of casting materials to suit your specific requirements, from durable plastics to flexible rubbers. Our material specialists will assist you in choosing the right material for your project.

Reason 3: Rapid Turnaround

Title: Fast and Efficient Production

With our streamlined processes and dedicated team, we can deliver your vacuum casted parts in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Our rapid turnaround ensures that you meet your project deadlines.

Reason 4: Competitive Pricing

Title: Affordable Precision Casting

We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Our competitive pricing model allows you to benefit from precision casting services that fit within your budget.

What Is Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting involves the use of a vacuum to pull liquid into silicone molds, thus making plastic or rubber parts. This process is also called urethane casting or polyurethane casting because polyurethane resin is the casting material. Because the process occurs under a vacuum, the resulting casts are bubble-free and have smooth surface textures with zero defects.

Advantages of Vacuum Casting

Fine Details: One advantage of the vacuum casting process is its ability to produce parts with fine details. The mould is formed using the 3D printed master model. The 3D printing process can produce intricate details, which can be replicated in the final cast.

Low Cost: Another advantage of vacuum casting is its relatively low cost. Vacuum casting is much less expensive than other rapid prototyping methods, such as CNC machining. This is because it requires only a few hours to produce a mould, which can be reused multiple times. CNC machining requires costly tools and materials.

Dimensional Accuracy: The vacuum casting process produces parts with excellent dimensional accuracy. The parts produced via vacuum casting will fit together perfectly without needing post-processing steps such as sanding or drilling.

Flexibility: It provides a high degree of design flexibility. This is because almost any geometry can be created using 3D printing. parts that would be impossible to produce using other methods can be easily made using vacuum casting.

Why Choose Us

01/

Rich Experience
Our company has many years of production work experience. The concept of customer-oriented and win-win cooperation makes the company more mature and stronger.

02/

Competitive Price
We have professional sourcing team and cost accounting team, stive to reduce cost and profit and provide you a good price.

03/

Sustainable Development
Establish a good reputation and brand value in the industry, and promote the sustainable, stable, rapid and healthy development of the enterprise.

04/

Advanced Equipment
A machine, tool or instrument designed with advanced technology and functionality to perform highly specific tasks with greater precision, efficiency and reliability.

05/

One Stop Solution
From the begining inquiry and throughout the entire process until you receive the goods. we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

06/

Quality Products
We use only the highest-grade materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to produce products that are reliable, durable, and perform to the highest standards.

How Does Vacuum Casting Work

1. Master Model Construction
First, making vacuum cast prototypes requires a high-quality master model with high dimensional accuracy. To ensure that the final vacuum cast part is as expected, creating a perfect master model is a crucial foundation. The master model can be created via 3D printing or CNC machining and requires specialized post-processing such as sanding. These steps ensure that the master model is perfectly usable.

2. Silicone Mold Making
The master model is ready for use. Liquid silicone is then poured into the casting box and fully immersed in the master model. It takes several hours for silicone to cure naturally. After the mold is cured, cut the mold open and remove the master mold from the mold. You will see that the silicone mold has a hollow space in the middle that matches the size and specifications of the main model. The silicone mold then needs to be cured again at high temperatures in the oven as the mold is still soft and sticky. Cure time depends on the size of the mold.

3. Parts Production
Cast parts in silicone molds. Before casting, the surface of the silicone mold needs to be cleaned again. Spray a special release agent on the internal structure of the silicone mold, tape it around the edges, and even insert steel bars inside for large molds. All these steps ensure that no damage is caused when the mold is removed. Mixing of pouring materials should be done in advance.

The material is completely filled into the mold, and the process is degassed in a vacuum chamber to ensure air bubbles are removed. Move the parts into the oven to cure. Cure time also depends on part size. Once the vacuum cast part has cooled, it can be removed from the silicone mold.

The Steps In The Vacuum Casting Process

Vacuum casting uses silicone molds, PU resins, and a vacuum chamber for resin casting to create superior parts or components. This process involves mold preparation, casting preparation, vacuum casting, resin infiltration, and curing and finishing.

Mold Preparation
The first step in preparing the mold is creating a high-quality and accurate master model to work with. This can be done by 3D printing or CNC machining, followed by dedicated post-processing. To achieve perfect vacuum casting parts, the master model must be of the required quality. Alternatively, an already cast model can serve as the master pattern.

Once the model is ready, the silicon mold is made using the model and a casting box. Suspended in the casting box, the master model is fitted with cores, inserts, casting gates, and risers, that aid in the pouring of molten silicon and removal of the mold.

After molten silicon is poured and it fills all the angles and holes around the pattern, it is left for about 8 to 16 hours to cure. The temperature of the casting box is kept at 40 degrees Celsius.

When it is done curing, the solidified mold is brought out of the casting box. As this process is done under vacuum conditions, there are little or no blemishes on the mold. After a while, the soft and sticky silicone mold needs to be cured again under high temperatures in an oven.

Casting Preparation
In preparing for casting, the casting material (polyurethane resin) is first heated to about 40 degrees Celsius.

Polyurethane resins are available in various types, having different structural qualities. The type used will depend on the design intent and part performance. PP, rubber, glass-filled, and ABS materials for molding can be used.

Next, the resins and any choice of color pigments and agents are combined in specific quantities in a bowl and mixed thoroughly to form a homogenous mixture. Color pigment and agents, such as metallic powder, are added to obtain certain aesthetics or functional properties.

The resin and components are manually mixed and poured using levers and stirrers, and deaerated for a minute under vacuum conditions.The mold is replaced and the pouring gates are attached to the bowl.

Vacuum Casting
The homogenous mix containing the resins, color pigment, and agents is then poured into the silicone mold via a funnel to ensure uniform distribution and also to prevent the formation of air bubbles.

After the bowl has been emptied by gravity feeding, the mold is placed in the vacuum chamber to eliminate any resistance to flow caused by air bubbles inside the mold, ensuring there are no damages to the final product.

Resin Infiltration
The resin is allowed to flow into the mold under a vacuum, ensuring uniform infiltration. Vacuum casting resins replicate a wide range of thermoplastic properties for rapid prototyping of components. When the mold cavity is filled, it is indicated by resin discharge through the risers. These risers also ensure air bubble removal from the mold cavity.

After the cavity is filled, it may be degassed again. Once the solution is completely set in the mold, the mold is properly sealed in the vacuum chamber for resin casting and it is ready for casting. The resins used will determine the temperature and time for casting, however, the process remains the same.

Curing And Finishing
After the casting is done, the mold is left in the vacuum casting machine for curing. Curing helps the part to retain its rigidity after it demolded.

For proper curing, the casting machine is maintained at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. Curing time will depend on the type and temperature of the resin as well as the size of the part produced. For polyurethane resins, curing takes between 20 and 40 min.

After curing, the casted part is de-molded from the silicone molds. To facilitate the process and reduce the force needed for demolding, release agents can be applied.

After demolding, the risers and any inserts are removed and any excess material is taken off from the casted part. The cured product can be painted, varnished, decorated, polished, or finished in any way to give the required look.

What Materials Are Used For Vacuum Casting

Materials used in vacuum casting include thermoplastics, rubbers and resins - all of which emulates specific properties and characteristics.

ABS-like	Good impact resistance Well-balanced physical properties
PA-like	Durable and rigid Lightweight
PC-like	Good transparency Good UV resistance
PP-like	High impact resistance Good flexibility
PMMA-like	Good transparency Good UV resistance
Soft-rubber-like	Flexible Good shock absorption

Applications Of Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting has various applications since it is a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional processes like injection molding. Here are typical applications of vacuum casting in different industries:

Aerospace Components
Vacuum casting is a versatile process engineers use to create precision aerospace components. It is suitable for making aircraft components such as fuel systems, air ducts, and exterior components due to its repeatability, superior accuracy, and ability to produce intricate details.

Automotive Industry
Automotive makers rely on silicone vacuum casting due to its ability to create highly detailed parts and components. It offers the superior accuracy and repeatability required to develop vehicle components, including exhaust systems, dashboard panels, lighting lenses, intake manifolds, and body panels.

Medical Industry
Manufacturers in the medical industry rely on the high precision of vacuum casting to create complex parts and components such as implants and prosthetics.

Food and Beverages Industry
The vacuum casting method is suitable for creating intricate packaging components and other complex-shaped items like bottles, cans, mugs, and food containers.

Consumer Goods
Vacuum casting is suitable for making intricate consumer goods like sporting equipment, phone cases, sunglasses, pens, and toys. It produces highly precise products that are suitable for consumer use.

Typical Technical Specification Of Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting offers a smooth surface since it uses a vacuum to remove the air from the mold before pouring in the molten material, ensuring minimal defects. Below is a table of the general specifications of the process:

Vacuum Casting	Technical Specification
Typical Quantities	Usually between 1 and 50 parts per mold
Maximum Part Dimensions	The dimensions of the vacuum chamber determine the mold’s size.
Minimum Wall Thickness	The minimum wall thickness of 0.75 mm is necessary to ensure even filling of the mold. However, at least 1.5 mm wall thickness is recommended to achieve the best results.
Accuracy	± 0.3% ( dimensions below 100 mm bear a lower limit of 0.3mm)
Material Choice	A long list of materials, including rubber or plastic.
Surface Structure	It offers a glossy or matt surface finish.
Time Frame	Parts between 30 and 50 pieces take 24 hours to 5 working days.

Injection Molding Vs. Vacuum Casting Compare

1. Speed Comparison
Quickly create vacuum casting molds faster than creating injection molding molds. Polyurethane casting lead time is usually 5-7 days, while rapid molding takes at least 2 weeks. Polyurethane casting is the first choice for time-sensitive, low-volume projects.

2. Tool Life Comparison
Vacuum casting tools are made of silicone. Depending on the part geometry and material selection, they can only run 10 to 25 times before a tool change is required. By comparison, a single injection mold made of aluminum or steel can last 1,000 to 100,000 injections, depending on tool material, maintenance and other factors.

3. Cost Comparison
Although injection molding requires higher front-end costs, its unit price is much lower. For high-volume production, you simply don’t see the ROI of steel tooling using other processes. Injection molding is the perfect solution when large quantities of plastic parts need to be produced.

4. Flexibility Comparison
At any stage, if design modifications are needed, it is easier and cheaper to change the vacuum casting mold than to rework or remake the injection mold. From a cost perspective, this makes vacuum casting ideal for early stages of development.

5. Precision
Plastic Injection molding involves the creation of precise molds or tooling, which can accurately reproduce complex geometries and intricate details of the part. It can achieve tighter tolerances compared to vacuum casting, making it suitable for parts with strict dimensional requirements.

6. Part Material Comparison
Injection molding offers a wide range of material options, while urethane casting provides a wide selection of polyurethane materials that can simulate the properties of different injection molding resins. Even if all the signs point to vacuum casting, for projects where you need parts in the production intent material, you’ll need to opt for rapid injection moulding.

Vacuum Casting Materials	Injection Molding Materials
PX5210, PX520, PX223, Hei-Cast 8150, etc.	PMMA, PC, ABS, HDPE, PP, PA, PBT, etc.
Full Material List	Full Material List

Certifications

Our Factory

Shenzhen Guochanghong Precision Hardware Co., Ltd. We are a high-precision manufacturing company integrating mold design, manufacturing, assembly, sales and service. Our equipment is complete, and products can be completed in one stop from raw materials to finished products. We have a full set of precision equipment, including 4 precision aluminum alloy die-casting machines, 42 CNC lathes, 70 CNC machining centers, 35 drilling and tapping machines, 2 gear machines, 5 milling machines, and 6 medium-speed wire cutting machines.

FAQ

Q: How does the vacuum casting process work?

A: Vacuum casting involves creating a mold from a master pattern, typically made from silicone. The mold is then placed in a vacuum chamber, where a casting resin is drawn into the mold under low pressure. This method ensures uniform material distribution and eliminates air bubbles, resulting in high-quality casts.

Q: What are the benefits of vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum casting offers several advantages, including shorter production times, reduced material waste, and the ability to create complex geometries with excellent surface finish. It is also cost-effective for small production runs and allows for a wide range of casting materials.

Q: What industries can benefit from vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum casting is versatile and can be applied across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and consumer goods. It is particularly useful for rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing.

Q: How do I get started with your vacuum casting services?

A: To get started, simply contact us with your project specifications. Our team will guide you through the process, from material selection to the final delivery of your casted parts.

Q: What is vacuum casting used for?

A: This process is often used for casting plastics and rubber parts. Vacuum casting is often used for prototype projects or small-scale production runs, as it can be faster and less expensive than other methods, such as injection moulding.

Q: Why is injection moulding better than vacuum forming?

A: Vacuum Forming is not nearly as versatile as injection moulding. Because the plastic sheet is stretched over or into a mould, the shaping is done in only one direction, limiting the shape of the part.

Q: What is the conclusion of vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum casting remains a vital prototyping technique in the manufacturing process, valued for its ability to rapidly transform ideas into tangible, high-quality products.

Q: What keeps the mould together in vacuum casting?

A: The mold is cured under high temperatures to ensure that the two parts stick together. This is used to strengthen the mold and make it more durable. After the mold is cured, it is cut open to reveal a hollow space at the center, which has the exact dimensions of the master model.

Q: Can you vacuum cast metal?

A: The objective of vacuum casting is to control the metal flow as much as possible for a tranquil mold fill. For metal castings that call for a sound, consistent integrity, vacuum casting may deliver.

Q: What is the difference between injection molding and vacuum casting?

A: Production Volume: Vacuum casting is better for prototyping or small production runs, while injection molding is better for medium-to-large production runs. Casting can produce 1-10 parts per day while injection molding can produce hundreds, if not thousands, depending on the number of cavities in your mold.

Q: What materials can be vacuum cast?

A: Materials used in Vacuum Casting include thermoplastics, rubbers and resins, all of which can emulate specific properties and characteristics including degrees of: Physical appearance quality. Surface texture/finish. Transparency/translucence.

Q: What is the difference between centrifugal and vacuum casting?

A: A centrifugal casting machine uses the weight of the metal and centrifugal force (even if only an apparent force) to fill the mold. A vacuum casting machine uses a vacuum to suck the molten metal into the mold. A force is needed to overcome the surface tension of the molten metal.

Q: What is the process of vacuum casting metals?

A: Vacuum castings are the metal parts that are produced by the vacuum casting method. They are different than typical investment castings due to the technique that is used to create these metal parts. The process begins by placing a two-piece mold in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum then draws the molten metal into the mold.

Q: What is the process of vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum Casting is a process in which a liquid material is drawn into a silicone mold whilst using a vacuum, to create complex components. The liquid materials used for vacuum casting are elastomers such as plastic and rubber.

Q: What materials are used in vacuum casting?

Q: What is vacuum casting also known as?

A: Vacuum casting also known as urethane casting or silicone molding is a rapid prototyping technology allowing the duplication of several tens (1 to 100+) of rigid or flexible plastic parts, using a silicone mold (hence the alternative name of silicone molding).

Q: Is vacuum casting permanent?

A: The molten metal flows into the mold by air pressure, and then the air is purged to form a vacuum. This vacuum permanent mold casting method is mainly used for small parts or jewelry with delicate details.

Q: What is ABS vacuum casting?

A: ABS vacuum casting is the process of casting ABS parts by using vacuum to draw the ABS into the mold, thus making ABS parts with desired structures and geometries.

Q: Why use vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum casting is an adaptable manufacturing process that product designers use to produce high-quality prototypes and end-use products in small quantities. Its comparatively lower production costs and fine details make it a resourceful tool for rapid prototype projects and marketing purposes.

Q: What Is Vacuum Casting?

A: Vacuum casting involves the use of a vacuum to pull liquid into silicone molds, thus making plastic or rubber parts. This process is also called urethane casting or polyurethane casting because polyurethane resin is the casting material. Because the process occurs under a vacuum, the resulting casts are bubble-free and have smooth surface textures with zero defects.

Q: What draft angle for vacuum casting?

A: You should design your part with a draft angle of at least 1 to 2 degrees. the draft angle's size varies depending on the material, product shape and complexity, and mold size. Materials prone to deformation or products with intricate shapes may require a larger draft angle.

Q: How accurate is vacuum casting?

A: Vacuum casting produces accurate and durable parts quickly and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. The process is often used to produce prototypes and small production runs of parts.

Q: What is the principle of vacuum casting?

A: Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is poured into a mould and allowed to solidify. Vacuum casting involves using a vacuum to remove air from the mould, which helps ensure that the object takes on the desired shape. This process is often used for casting plastics and rubber parts.

Q: What is the tolerance for vacuum casting?

A: The finished dimensions of vacuum cast parts depend on the accuracy of the master model, part geometry, and casting material. In general, you can expect a tolerance of 0.3% from your nominal size.

As one of the most professional vacuum casting companies in China, we're featured by good service and competitive price. Please rest assured to buy cost-efficient vacuum casting from our factory. Contact us for custom service.

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