PMMA Vacuum Casting

PMMA，the abbreviation of poly methyl methacrylate, commonly known as acrylic is an engineering transparent thermoplastic.

Vacuum casting PMMA (acrylic) parts are ideal for applications that demand rigid transparent plastic, high heat resistance, optical clarity, and wear resistance.

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Material Performance

Excellent Optical Properties
High Heat Resistance
Wear Resistance
Durable and Rigid
High Strength and Stiffness

Advantages

UV-rays resistance. Natural UV protection makes vacuum casting PC suitable for producing parts for greenhouse windows, windshields, and safety glass.
Saving cost. Price of acrylic is lower than other plastic materials and it is a substitute to glass.
Exceptional optical properties. Naturally, acrylic can deliver high quality clarity and transparency to final parts.
Reliable plastic. Acrylic has high performance features such as excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, light weight, high stiffness, good dimensional stability, etc., making its final part withstand harsh and outdoor environments.

Applications

> Optical Lenses

> Light Transmission Parts

> Sanitary Fixtures

> Lighting Panels

> Brochures Holders

> Signs

How to PMMA vacuum casting?

1. Master Model Building.
First of all, producing vacuum casting prototypes require a high-quality master model with high dimensional accuracy. To ensure the final vacuum casting parts are the same as expected, creating flawless master model is the vital foundation. Master model can be created by 3D Printing or CNC Machining, and dedicated post-processing, grinding, for instance, is necessary. These steps make sure that the master model is perfect to use. At Wenext, we will go through all details before making the master model, like design file checking to guarantee a manufacturable master model.

2. Silicone Mold Making.
Master model is ready to use. Then it’s time to pour liquid silicone into the casting box and fully immerse the master model. It takes several hours to cure the silicone naturally. After the mold is cured, cut open the mold and take the master model out of the mold. You will see a hollow space in the middle of the silicone mold, which fits the dimensions and specifications of the master model. Later on, the silicone mold needs to be cured again at a high temperature in an oven because the mold is still soft and sticky. Curing time would be based on size of the mold.

3. Parts Producing.
The final step is casting parts with the silicone mold. Before casting, clean the surface of the silicone mold again is necessary. Then spraying the silicone mold internal structure with special release agents, attach tape to the edge, and even insert steel bars inside for large mold. All these steps make sure that mold release without damages. Prepare PMMA (acrylic) in advance, then fully fill the mold with PMMA (acrylic), the process is done in a vacuum chamber for degassing, ensuring air bubbles are removed. Afterwards, move the PMMA (acrylic) part in an oven for curing. Curing time is based on part size as well. The vacuum casting PMMA (acrylic) part can be removed from silicone mold after cool down.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why would you choose vacuum casting over 3D Printing?

The major consideration when choosing vacuum casting over 3D Printing is material performance and quality. Vacuum casting provides higher performance materials than better mimic those used in commercial products. If material performance and product appearance are on top priority, vacuum casting should be the alternative.

2. Why would you choose vacuum casting over injection molding?

The critical consideration is cost and quantity. Vacuum casting is more affordable and cost-effective for rapid prototypes to low volume production.

3. How much does it cost to vacuum casting PMMA (acrylic) parts?

Prices are based on the structure of the part, order volume, machining processes, etc. You can use our instant quoting engine to get price, or you can email hello@wenext.com for more information.

4. What is PMMA (acrylic) vacuum casting?

PMMA (acrylic) vacuum casting is the process of casting PMMA (acrylic) parts by using vacuum to draw the PMMA (acrylic) into the mold, thus making PMMA (acrylic) parts with desired structures and geometries.

5. What is PMMA (acrylic)?

PMMA (PolyMethyl-MetaAcrylate) is an amorphous thermoplastic material with very good optical properties. Acrylic is often used as a glass substitute. Acrylic is hard and stiff but brittle and notch sensitive.

6. What are the main differences between PC and PMMA (acrylic)?

Both polycarbonate and acrylic have good optical features, high impact strength and stiffness. Polycarbonate offers more flexible grades and stronger impact strength. But acrylic is shiner, and the price of acrylic is lower than polycarbonate.

7. How long does PMMA (acrylic) plastic last?

The lifespan of PMMA (acrylic) is significantly better than glass or other materials. Acrylic parts have superior strength and impacts resistance ability compared to other plastics. Acrylic sheets are almost 15-20 times stronger than glass material while offering a longer lifespan and durability.