APC ApS - Nyheder

Spin Casting and Rapid Prototype Technology

Spin Casting has brought rapid prototype technology to a completely different level of production efficiency. With the capability of producing prototypes in different metals spin casting has given companies options never before experienced in rapid prototype techniques. Now with spin casting technology fragile, functional metal parts can be manufactured with rapid prototype models.

Spin casting can cut production times by a considerable percentage and have prototypes available for testing the same day as production. The spin casting technology also eliminates the need for considerable post production tooling and refinishing. Spin casting technology is also easy to use with all the custom features necessary to produce even complex design specifications.

Spin Casting Fabrication Metals

Spin casting technology can accommodate a number of metals to produce fine quality prototypes that are fully functional and produced according to design specifications. Using rubber molds a variety of metals can be used with spin casting technology to produce a variety of finished products. Spin casting can produce prototypes consisting of zinc alloys which are a favorite casting metal, as these metals can accept a variety of surface finishing compounds. These alloys are commonly used in spin casting to replace aluminum, copper and low-grade steel. Spin casting prototypes are suitable for electroplating to produce the appearance of brass, silver or gold.

Spin casting can also produce prototypes in many other types of materials as well. Using polyurethane, polyester, epoxy or wax; spin casting can produce a number of products in a variety of materials. Comparing the production cost of spin casting and traditional tooling has spin casting as the most cost effective method of production. Spin casting can produce the same products as traditional tooling and molds but for a fraction of the cost. With spin casting an additional feature is be able to control the number of items manufactured. With traditional manufacturing, single or small item orders are generally more expensive with prices decreasing as unit numbers increase. But spin casting costs remain stable throughout the production process regardless of the number of items produced making it very cost efficient.

Spin Casting Fabrication Steps

Spin casting requires the use of molds that are made from a silicone based material and can accommodate the original parts to form exact details of the models used in production. Once prepared the spin casting molds are hardened and the models are removed leaving detailed molds that will be used for prototype production. With spin casting temperatures reaching around 400C air vents are cut into molds to allow gases to escape during the production process. Spin casting uses centrifugal force to inject fabrication material into molds ensuring all details of the model are reproduced in the prototype. Spin casting allows for complete adjustment of production speeds, pressure controls and cycle times. Prototypes produced by spin casting are precision products that will meet all design specifications and tolerances.

Spin casting cuts the time needed to produce rapid prototype by a considerable amount and will have prototypes available for the testing phase in a shorter amount of time. Spin casting technology can support post production finishing by being able to use a wide variety of materials. Spin casting techniques are easy to use, cost effective and a time conserving technology for the production of rapid prototypes.