Casting A Hull In Polyurethane?
Posted: Jan 13th, 2016, 5:43 am
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has cast from resin a polyurethane part? In my case it would be somewhat large, cylindrical with a 1/4" wall and domed end. Also it would be a high durometer with very good stiffness. Think like a SCUBA tank vessel but open on one end, and much smaller, like 6" in diameter.
My thoughts were to 3D print a pattern and then investment cast it in plaster. Then burn out the investment so I have a hollow mold cavity. Pour in the urethane resin and vacuum out the entrapped air. Or I could alternately do an aluminum casting using a similar approach.
So, anyone done any urethane casting like this? I expect aluminum might be cheaper as resin in small quantities seems to be expensive. I am open to additional ideas but the end result must look professional.
Randy
I was wondering if anyone has cast from resin a polyurethane part? In my case it would be somewhat large, cylindrical with a 1/4" wall and domed end. Also it would be a high durometer with very good stiffness. Think like a SCUBA tank vessel but open on one end, and much smaller, like 6" in diameter.
My thoughts were to 3D print a pattern and then investment cast it in plaster. Then burn out the investment so I have a hollow mold cavity. Pour in the urethane resin and vacuum out the entrapped air. Or I could alternately do an aluminum casting using a similar approach.
So, anyone done any urethane casting like this? I expect aluminum might be cheaper as resin in small quantities seems to be expensive. I am open to additional ideas but the end result must look professional.
Randy