Transparent Parts Vacuum Casting
2021.09.18
Cool gadgets with transparent
technology is coming back in the 2020s. For example, Chinese mobile phone brand
One Plus issued the Noting ear (1) with transparent design, and their transparent
phone Nothing Phone (2) was released a couple cases ago.
More samples like Apple’s
Beats, launched Studio Buds+ with a remarkable transparent cloudy plastic
material, and Korg, the instrument corporation in Japan, declared the 20th
Anniversary MicroKorg Synth in an exclusive "Crystal" CMF (Color, Material,
Finish).
What materials can suit
the rapid prototype manufacturing with vacuum casting technologies?
PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA, commonly referred
to as acrylic or acrylic glass, is a transparent, rigid thermoplastic that is
often used in place of glass due to its superior durability. Additionally, PMMA
has several technical benefits when compared to similar materials such as PC
and PS; notably, a greater resistance to UV light and weathering.
PC
Polycarbonate is a light
yet strong, clear thermoplastic containing carbonate functional groups. Due to
its impressive durability, PC has proven to be a viable replacement for glass.
Vacuum casting is a popular method used to manipulate PC, as the material is
heated, placed into a mould, and pressured to create the desired form.