A stereo lithographic part (STL) is produced from the CAD data and a silicone mould is cast from this. The silicone mould is then filled with polyamide or resin. PA cast prototypes can also be built as transparent specimens to allow the insides of the part to be observed during the test run. This enables e.g. flow behaviours to be assessed. PA and vacuum cast parts are characterised by good dimensional stability, oil resistance and heat resistance up to 190° C. Production of pigmented parts and 2-component parts is also possible.

Average production time

• PA and vacuum cast parts are generally completed within 5 weeks of receipt of the 3D data.

Applications

• Parts made from transparent polyurethane: For inclined position and flow tests with only a limited resistance to pressure, temperature and media.
• Parts made from polyamide: For fatigue tests on coolant expansion tanks (with half shells welded together). The tank had a running time of 454 hours at 1.3 bar ± 0.15 bar, 95° C ± 2° C 23 h, 110° C ± 2° C 1 h, it withstood a bursting pressure of 12.7 bar.
• Servo oil reservoirs made of polyamide are used for test drives (with half shells welded together).

Materials

Polyamide (PA6) or polyurethane.