Vacuum casting (elastomers)

This process is used when air entrapment is a problem, there are intricate details or undercuts, or if the material is fiber or wire reinforced.

[1] The main disadvantage to this process is the high price for the equipment.

[2] The process starts by placing a two piece silicone mold in a vacuum chamber.

The raw material is mixed, degassed and then poured into the mold.

[3] In some machines the chamber where the material is mixed a pressure can be applied to increase the pressure differential between the mold cavity and the mixing chamber.