Vacuum casting consists in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU or TPUR ) parts by the chemical reaction of polyol and isocyanate cast in silicon molds.

The results of vacuum casting much depend on the quality of the silicon mold, itself crafted from a master-model most often processed with additive manufacturing.  Silicon molds are relatively inexpensive and rapidly crafted, yet, each of them can only be used under good conditions about 25 times.

Mechanical, thermal and aesthetic properties of TPU parts processed with vacuum casting are diverse and equivalent to those processed with injection molding. The vacuum casting technology for producing parts in small and medium series.

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VOLUM-e’s added value

|  Infinite possibilities

Vacuum casting enables to tweak with many process parameters : combinations of stiffness and flexibility in one-piece, mass colorization to imitate tainted glass effects for example, precise textures such as leather-like.

|  Food and pharmaceutical indsutries compliant

VOLUM-e transforms TPU plastics that comply with the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS) and are accepted the FDA. The products are thus allowed to come in direct contact with food or drugs.

|  Synergy with SLA

Plastic AM processes and in particular SLA are best for quickly obtaining single pieces with great surface finish. They are thus ideal for manufacturing master models which are essential in crafting silicon molds for vacuum casting.

|  Industrial scale

The 5 vacuum casting machines, including an uncommonly large one, are perfectly integrated both up- and downstream the value chain. VOLUM-e can thus rapidly produce plastic parts of all dimensions and properties in medium series.

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The vacuum casting Equipment at VOLUM-e is :

  • 6 casting machines of maximal dimension 3000*1000*800mm,
  • Raw materials : rigid, flexible, mass colorized TPU and more,
  • Tools and Equipment for polishing and sand-blasting.

 Material Library for vacuum casting

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PU TYPE PP

  • Mechanical properties close to injected polypropylene,
  • Rigidity : shore X,
  • Maximal single-piece dimensions of 3000*1000*800mm.
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PU TYPE ABS

  • Mechanical resistance,
  • Maximal single-piece dimension of 3000*1000*800mm.
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PU TYPE PC

  • Transparent,
  • Special surface finish,
  • Ideal for see-through systems,
  • Maximal single-piece dimensions of 3000*1000*800mm.
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FDA COMPLIANT TPU

  • Compatible with food,
  • FDA compliant painting,
  • Ideal for parts on pharmaceutical and food processing machines,
  • Maximal single-piece dimensions of 3000*1000*800mm.
Demonstrateurs matiere

High-temperature TPU

  • Thermal resistance Under stress of 200°C,
  • All finishes available,
  • Ideal for parts subject to demanding environments,
  • Maximal single-piece dimensions of 3000*1000*800mm.
Demonstrateurs matiere

UL94V0FAR25 PU

  • Fire and smoke resistant,
  • Fire resistant painting finish available,
  • Ideal for security parts,
  • Maximal single-piece dimensions of 3000*1000*800mm.