Vacuum Casting With Disposable Silicone Molds
This brief guide is to help us understand how we can make vacuum casting with silicone molds. The procedure is intended for mass released products since they usually need to pull off large production cycles from a single mold. You are probably already familiar with the fact that molds cost a pretty penny to produce regardless of the size of the product you aim to make.
Silicone molds are the faster way to create one from an existing part of a product. It's also one of the most cost-effective manufacturing techniques for vacuum casting, especially if we are dealing with small in size and flexible properties. The big question that comes next is how do we create our silicon mold for vacuum casting.
Creating the Mold
To create a silicone mold, you need to work with a finished prototype. That way, the mold will adapt to the existing needs of the project. Remember, we are working with something that has already been designed, so there is no need for tweaking using software at this stage. During the prep work required to get started, you need to get the full insight regarding measurements of what you need to recreate. After that, you need to follow this list:
- Create the cast – You can either choose a single part or two separate sections.
- Get the placement right – Since you are working with a silicone mold, a wooden frame will help you keep the mold in place, especially for vacuum casting.
- Get your releasing agent ready – Vacuum casting is not done by machinery; this is often done by hand. The best releasing agent for this method of manufacturing is a mix of cold water and detergent.
- Mix your Silicone – The resins that make the silicone usually need to be mixed to get the right consistency you need.
- Pour the Silicone – For vacuum casting, you need to create a mold that pours on top of the part you need to recreate. If your part has two sides, you will have to make a separate pouring. Make sure to do it using a recipient according to size. You don't want extra thin walls for these molds.
- Get the Clay – You will need it to create the mold's base while it gets solid.
- Let it get curated – Silicone takes a while to dry or get curated, but once it's done, you get a beautiful, precise mold.
- Make sure to get your pour sprout in place – Vacuum casting is not done by magic; you need a nozzle to go inside your mold to create the part by pouring the silicone. The type of nozzle you need is determined by the properties of the silicone you are using to create your replicas.
- Make the first pouring – Pure silicone takes longer than other resins to get solid. We can cast lighter resins at least once an hour. Heavier ones can take up to eight, so be patient.
Once you are done, the only thing left for you is a test run. Get on with it, and you'll know instantly if you have a winner. If the part breaks, is back to the drawing board and combined with the right resins.
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