Sanai will introduce its "SC Series" vacuum injection molding machine, specifically designed for prototype development. Vacuum injection molding is a technique where a thermosetting resin is injected into a silicone rubber mold under vacuum conditions to create the desired shape. This method eliminates the need for a metal mold, allowing for the production of high-precision prototypes at a significantly lower cost. It's particularly well-suited for small-volume production, such as medical devices, where only a few hundred units are needed annually.
The basic process involves first creating a silicone rubber mold based on a master model. The mold is then placed inside a sealed chamber within the injection molding machine, where it is evacuated to create a vacuum before the thermosetting resin—typically polyurethane (PUR)—is injected. Once the PUR is fully injected, the mold is moved to a drying oven and heated to complete the curing process. Most master models are made from materials like light-curing resins or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which are widely used in prototyping due to their versatility and durability.
Although a main model is already available, the advantage of vacuum injection molding lies in its ability to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties. Depending on the material used, it can replicate the characteristics of various plastics such as ABS, polypropylene (PP), and acrylics. Additionally, complex processes like multi-color molding can be achieved, making it a flexible solution. "Metal molds can do it too," the company says, highlighting that vacuum injection molding using silicone rubber molds can deliver comparable results.
To support customers, Sanai offers not just the vacuum injection molding machines, but also a full range of equipment, including drying ovens, auxiliary tools, materials, and technical support through its "Sunclon System." This integrated approach ensures smooth trial production from start to finish.
Sanai primarily focuses on trial production for the automotive and motor industries, while also developing, manufacturing, and selling vacuum injection molding machines. The new SC series represents a major update after a 20-year gap. Compared to the previous model, there are five key improvements: (1) nearly double the production capacity, (2) a price reduction of more than 50%, (3) easier handling of silicone rubber molds, (4) compatibility with larger molds, and (5) elimination of the drain tube used by the vacuum pump.
The first improvement was achieved by using a high-capacity vacuum pump, which reduces the time needed to create a vacuum inside the machine. When using one-by-one molded silicone rubber molds, up to 12–14 pieces can be produced in 8 hours. "By reducing the molding time, the lifespan of the silicone rubber molds is extended, increasing the number of usable molds from 20–25 in the old model to 40–50 now," according to the company. The pump also uses oil circulation, improving efficiency and reliability.
The second improvement came from changing the processing method of stainless steel components. While the original model used a cutting method from solid blocks, the new model uses sheet bending and welding, which lowers material costs. Additionally, by shifting some production to China, labor costs have been reduced, further enhancing cost-effectiveness.
The SC series includes three different models, each with varying dimensions of the "workroom" where the silicone rubber molds are placed, offering flexibility for different project sizes.
Fin Tube,Embedded Fin Tube,Carbon Steel Fin Tube,Extruded Fin Tubes
Simcan Industrial Equipment Co.,Ltd. , https://www.simcanindustry.com