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Urethane casting or Vacuum Casting is a traditional manufacturing technology that benefits from the advantages of 3D printing machine or CNC machining. 3D printed and machined master patterns are used to create silicone moulds, or tools, which are cast with advanced formula polymer (AFP) urethanes. Urethane casting is frequently used as a low-volume production solution when limited quantities are required in a short amount of time Urethane casting simulates injection moulding with smooth, textured, cast in colour and assembled products. It is an invaluable resource to the medical large cart manufacturing industries thanks to its ROHS, ROHS2, REACH and SVHC compliant materials.
Urethane casting parts are more cost effective in piece price than additive manufacturing when larger amounts of prototypes are needed. Additive manufacturing may require multiple builds to fabricate a larger amount of prototypes, which will increase the price. Whereas, the urethane casting process can continuously mould parts.
Silicone moulds are used to fabricate urethane casting pieces. The cost for silicone moulds is typically far less expensive than aluminum or steel tools used in injection moulding. Moulds to produce urethane parts may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, where as injection mould tooling can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
The tooling lead time for urethane casting is shorter than traditional injection moulding. The lead time for an injection mould tool can range from 4-8 weeks, but silicone moulds used in urethane casting can be ready in as soon as 10 days.
There is a wide range of materials available. Durometers range from UL 94 V-0, FAR 25.853 and USP Class 6 materials are also available.
The strength and surface finish of urethane casting is very comparable to injection moulded pieces. Secondary applications can be done to parts, such as painting.
Advanced Formula Polymers (AFPs) will exceed your expectations for urethane casting for short-run production. We offer an unmatched selection of specially formulated materials to meet a wide array of applications.
For detailed engineering specifications and considerations, including the advantages and disadvantages of using urethane casting for a variety of applications,
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