Vacuum-cast silicone Elastomer components from 10 to 65 Shore A
Vacuum casting – a process that is ideal for duplicating silicone models. In silicone vacuum casting, a hard shell tool is made of plastic using 3D printing or CNC milling technology. Silicone is then poured into the cavity that forms the component. The plastic parts can be used as prototypes, small series or series components.
Materials
In terms of strength values, technical prototypes should be as close as possible to the subsequent series products. Our vacuum-casting process optimally meets all requirements in terms of usage properties and permanent load capacity. The range of available plastic material silicone is very wide. We enable you to make components from materials from 10 to 65 Shore-A hardness. The degrees of hardness 43 and 65 Shore-A additionally meet the requirements of food-grade silicone.
| Hardness [Shore A] | 10 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 42 | 43 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base color | white | translucent | translucent | translucent | translucent | translucent | translucent | beige | beige | beige | beige |
| Elongation at break [%]* | 600 | >800 | >650 | >500 | >400 | >350 | >300 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Other | bio + FDA | bio + FDA |
* This information is merely provided as a guide and is not intended to be used as the basis for specifications.
Your advantages
- Fast implementation
- Fast delivery times: Initial parts within a few working days, small series up to 10 components per day
- Cost-effective production
- Fully functional components
- Shore hardness from 10 to 65 Shore A in small gradations
- Wall thickness from 0.5 mm
- Colorable silicone
- Food-grade, bio-compatible materials with FDA certification (not available in every Shore hardness)
- Piece numbers from 1 to 1000 parts can be sensibly achieved
- Suitable for prototypes and series applications
Advice tailored to your needs
At 1zu1, we help you find the perfect solution by combining the best technology with a wide range of materials. And this is implemented in the shortest possible time and with the highest technical precision.
Challenge us. What can I do for your project?
Stefan Rädler
1zu1sales
business developer additive manufacturing
T +43 5572 33 333-842
stefan.raedler@1zu1.eu
» For perfectly implemented ideas, I propose new technological paths with my customers.«
In motocross and enduro, Stefan Rädler is on difficult paths.
Stefan Rädler
1zu1sales
business developer additive manufacturing
T +43 5572 33 333-842
stefan.raedler@1zu1.eu
» For perfectly implemented ideas, I propose new technological paths with my customers.«
In motocross and enduro, Stefan Rädler is on difficult paths.
Klaus Pichler
1zu1sales
business developer
T +43 5572 33 333-838
klaus.pichler@1zu1.eu
»As a cyclist, I know that excellent technology is the key to speed – and therefore to success..«
Klaus Pichler spends his free time in the saddle – he and his road bike conquer Austria’s mountains with endurance and the right pedal stroke.
Sebastian Mathies
1zu1sales
business developer
T +43 5572 33 333-834
sebastian.mathies@1zu1.eu
»1zu1prototyping, that's like fast food on the level of top gastronomy. And if necessary, with a lot of portions.«
Sebastian Mathies knows that the eye also eats. That's why he chooses the right ingredients, the right technology and the necessary finishing steps. The result: prototypes to your taste.
Interesting facts about vacuum casting
Vacuum casting is a versatile and precise manufacturing technology that is primarily used in prototype and small series production. This process can be used to produce detailed, high-quality plastic components quickly and cost-effectively. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the process, its advantages and possible applications.
Vacuum casting offers numerous advantages over conventional injection molding. It is particularly cost-efficient for small series and prototypes, as tool production is less complex. The flexibility in the choice of material and design enables rapid adaptation to specific requirements. The precise vacuum process also allows complex geometries and fine details to be produced with high dimensional accuracy. The shorter production times make vacuum casting ideal for projects with tight schedules. The risk of material inclusions or surface defects is also minimized by the controlled vacuum atmosphere. This process is particularly suitable for development phases, as it offers high quality with comparatively low investment.
The vacuum casting process is characterized by its versatility and precision. It is often used for the production of prototypes and small series, as it is cost-effective and efficient. The basis is a silicone mold, which is created using a 3D-printed or CNC-milled model. Liquid polyurethane resins or other materials are poured into the mold under vacuum conditions. The vacuum prevents the formation of air pockets and ensures a smooth, detailed surface.
Another advantage is the large variety of materials, which makes it possible to realize properties such as strength, flexibility or temperature resistance precisely according to customer requirements. The simple mold production process also allows complex geometries and intricate structures to be produced efficiently.
Polyurethane is the collective chemical term for elastic to hard plastics produced from polyalcohols and polyisocyanates. The curing reaction is a polyaddition. Polyurethanes have many uses, e.g. for the production of household sponges, adhesives, paints and floor coatings. Synthetic textile fibers such as polyurethane are also used in the fashion sector.
1zu1 offers a wide range of Shore hardnesses to meet different material property requirements. In the field of vacuum casting, customers can choose from a wide range from Shore A (softer materials) to Shore D (harder materials).
The available Shore hardnesses include:
- Shore A: From very soft materials (Shore A 10) to medium hard rubber (Shore A 85).
- Shore D: For harder plastics, from Shore D 70 to Shore D 85.
This selection makes it possible to match materials precisely to the desired properties such as flexibility, strength or resilience. 1zu1 offers individual advice to determine the right Shore hardness for your project.
Classification of Shore hardness according to Albert F. Shore:
| Shore A | Shore D |
| 10 | - |
| 20 | - |
| 30 | - |
| 40 | 5 |
| 50 | 15 |
| 60 | 25 |
| 70 | 35 |
| 80 | 40 |
| 90 | 55 |
| 95 | 65 |
| 100 | 75 |
Elastomer materials (PU rubber) are available in various degrees of hardness from 30-90 Shore A. Thermoplastic-like materials are available in degrees of hardness from 45-85 Shore D.
| Shore A | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 95 | ||||
| Shore D | 45 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 80 |
