Urethane Casting

A Step Above 3D Printing!

protoCAD manufactures vacuum cast urethane rigid and flexible parts.  Vacuum cast urethane parts are production quality, economical, and can be in your hands in a matter of days.

Urethane Materials

Colors/Transparency

Urethan Casting Materials

 

We cast a wide range of high performance rigid and flexible materials. Urethanes are generally tougher than injection molded parts and significantly stronger than 3D printed parts. Silicone materials are also available!
 

The urethane castings can be pigmented with a wide range of colors.  Color matching is available. Water Clear Urethanes are also available. 

Insert/Threads

Size

 

Threaded inserts are cast in place.  Helicoils are generally used when there is not enough material for an insert. The helicoils are installed after casting.  Threads can also be cast or machined.
 

protoCAD has vacuum cast urethane parts approaching 4' by 3' by 1' and weighing more than 10 pounds. 

Rapid Delivery

Quantity

 

Urethane casting is a very fast manufacturing method. With a pattern in hand, the mold is usually made in two days.  Urethane parts are then cast starting on the third day.  We work closely with each customer to meet their delivery requirements.
 

The quantity can range from 1 to 100s. To cast high quantities we make muti-cavity molds and/or multiple molds.

Accuracy

Finish

Urethane castings (excluding those with thick cross-sections) are generally not affected by shrinkage.  Urethane castings are very accurate and we work the customer to ensure critical tolerances are achieved.
 

The urethane casting finish will match that of the master pattern.  The finish is usually matte but can be polished and/or textured.

Durometer

Composite

Durometers for Urethanes range from 30A to 85D.  Hardness can also be increased with the addition of structural fillers.   
 

A variety of fillers can be added to flexible and rigid urethane castings to customize their properties.  

Co-Molded

Process

Other items may be co-molded with urethane castings.  We have co-molded: electrical wires, vacuum tubes, magnets, metal plates, inserts, electronic connectors, lenses, metal bands, rigid castings inside flexible castings, electronic boards, studs, & acrylic windows.
 

A pattern is staged and encapsulated in a silicone rubber. After the rubber cures, the pattern is removed leaving it's impression in the silicone rubber mold. The mold is placed under vacuum and is filled with a two-part urethane. The urethane hardens under pressure and is removed, detailed and verified to meet customer requirements. 

Get a quick quote from protoCAD!