ABS Hei-Cast PU8160 for Vacuum Casting Material
Hei-Cast PU8160 is a versatile vacuum casting resin offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and process efficiency. While it excels in prototyping and short-run production, engineers should evaluate thermal and UV requirements for long-term applications. For extreme environments, epoxy-based or industrial-grade PU alternatives may be preferable.
Hei-Cast PU8160
Basic Characteristics
Hei-Cast PU8160 is a high-performance polyurethane (PU) resin specifically formulated for vacuum casting, a rapid prototyping and low-volume production process. It is designed to replicate the mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties of engineering-grade thermoplastics, making it ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and small-batch manufacturing.
Color
- Typically available in translucent/off-white (unpigmented), allowing for easy dyeing or painting.
- Can be custom-colored with compatible pigments to match brand or material requirements (e.g., ABS-like, PP-like, or metallic finishes).
Key Technical Parameters
| Property | Value | Unit |
| Tensile Strength | 40–50 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 10–20% | % |
| Flexural Modulus | 1500–2000 | MPa |
| Shore Hardness | 80–85 | D |
| Impact Strength (Izod) | 30–50 | kJ/m² |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | 60–80 | °C |
| Density | 1.1–1.2 | g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (Mixed) | 200-400 | mPa·s |
| Cure Time (Demold) | 1-2 | hours |
Material Composition
- Base Chemistry: Two-component polyurethane (Isocyanate + Polyol).
- Additives: UV stabilizers, flexibilizers, and fillers (optional) to enhance durability and mimic target materials (e.g., ABS, PC, or nylon).
- Low VOCs: Formulated for workplace safety and minimal odor during processing.
Physical Properties Table
| Property | Test Standard | Value |
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D638 | 45 MPa |
| Elongation | ASTM D638 | 15% |
| Flexural Strength | ASTM D790 | 65 MPa |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM D695 | 70 MPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | ASTM D518 | 0.2 W/m·K |
| Water Absorption | ASTM D570 | <1% (24h) |
Application Scenarios
- Functional Prototypes: Parts requiring mechanical testing (e.g., housings, gears).
- Consumer Products: Cosmetic casings, grips, or wearable devices.
- Automotive: Interior trim, ducting, or non-engine components.
- Medical: Non-implantable devices (e.g., housings, ergonomic handles).
- Aerospace: Lightweight ductwork or mock-up components.
Industry Applications
- Rapid Prototyping (Bridge tooling before mass production).
- Low-Volume Manufacturing (50–500 parts per mold).
- Design Validation (Fit, form, and function testing).
Vacuum Casting Process Compatibility
- Mold Material: Typically silicone molds (e.g., Shore A 20–30).
- Casting Pressure: Vacuum degassing (≤0.1 bar) to eliminate bubbles.
- Post-Curing: Optional thermal post-cure (60–80°C) to enhance properties.
- Surface Finish: High-gloss to matte, depending on mold texture.
Advantages & Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
| ✔ Excellent detail replication | ✖ Limited heat resistance vs. engineering plastics |
| ✔ Fast turnaround (24–48 hrs) | ✖ Lower UV stability (requires coating) |
| ✔ Cost-effective for small batches | ✖ Mold life ~20–50 parts (silicone wear) |
| ✔ Wide material mimicry (ABS, PC, PP) | ✖ Not suitable for high-load structural parts |
Manufacturers & Alternatives
- Primary Supplier: Axson Technologies (Hei-Cast series).
- Alternative Materials:
- Smooth-Cast 300 Series (Polytek) – Similar mechanical properties.
- RenCast (Axson) – Higher-temp or flexible variants.
- Vybrane (basf) – Enhanced chemical resistance.
Learn more about ABS type materials
- ABS Hei-Cast PU8150 for Vacuum Casting Material
- ABS Axson UP4280 for Vacuum Casting Material
- ABS Axson PX100 for Vacuum Casting Material
- Axson PX215 - Vacuum Casting ABS Material
- Axson PX527 - Vacuum Casting ABS Material
- Axson PX 223/HT - Vacuum Casting ABS Material
- Axson PX 225 / PX 225L - Vacuum Casting ABS Material
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