Hei-Cast T0387 Clear Vacuum Casting Services

When optical clarity and resistance to discoloration are critical, Hei-Cast T0387 stands out as a superior polyurethane casting resin. Formulated to simulate the transparency and mechanical stiffness of PMMA (Acrylic) and Polycarbonate, it is extensively used for high-end transparent prototyping. At JUCHENG, we have mastered the processing of this specialized Japanese resin. By combining high-vacuum degassing techniques with expert manual polishing, we deliver T0387 components that achieve a "water-clear" finish, meeting the stringent visual standards of the automotive lighting and medical device sectors.

Hei-Cast T0387 Clear Vacuum Casting Services
Hei-Cast T0387 Vacuum Casting Material
When optical clarity and resistance to discoloration are critical, Hei-Cast T0387 stands out as a superior polyurethane casting resin. Formulated to simulate the transparency and mechanical stiffness of PMMA (Acrylic) and Polycarbonate, it is extensively used for high-end transparent prototyping. At JUCHENG, we have mastered the processing of this specialized Japanese resin. By combining high-vacuum degassing techniques with expert manual polishing, we deliver T0387 components that achieve a "water-clear" finish, meeting the stringent visual standards of the automotive lighting and medical device sectors.
Hei-Cast T0387

Basic Characteristics & Composition

Hei-Cast T0387 is a three-component system (Base A, Hardener B, and a specific Catalyst) known for its reliable performance in silicone tooling.
  • Exceptional Transparency: It cures to a clear, colorless solid that allows for high light transmission, comparable to glass or molded clear plastics.
  • Anti-Yellowing: One of its defining features is superior resistance to yellowing over time, even with exposure to UV light, making it ideal for exterior optical parts.
  • Rigidity: It simulates the hardness of engineering plastics, providing a solid feel that is durable enough for assembly and functional testing.
  • Polishing Response: The cured material surface is hard enough to accept fine polishing compounds, allowing JUCHENG technicians to remove mold lines and achieve a flawless gloss.

Color Options

Standard: Crystal Clear (Colorless).
Translucent Tinting: JUCHENG offers custom tinting services for T0387. We can add dyes to create transparent colors like Signal Red, Amber, Blue, or Smoked Grey while maintaining the material's optical properties.
Surface Effects: Can be matte-finished (frosted) for light diffusion applications or painted with clear UV-protective coats.
 

Key Technical Parameters

1. Mechanical Properties (Typical values after post-curing):
Property Value Unit Standard
Hardness 83 - 85 Shore D JIS K 7215
Flexural Modulus 2,200 - 2,400 MPa JIS K 7171
Tensile Strength 60 - 70 MPa JIS K 7113
Elongation at Break 5 - 10 % JIS K 7113
Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) 85 - 95 °C JIS K 7191
Appearance Colorless / Transparent - -
Linear Shrinkage 0.3 - 0.5 % -

2. PROCESSING 
  • Vacuum Degassing: Critical. The resin must be degassed thoroughly before casting to ensure zero micro-bubbles in the final optical part.
  • Casting Temperature: Molds are typically pre-heated to 60-70°C to ensure optimal flow and curing.
  • Pot Life: Approximately 10-15 minutes, giving ample time to fill complex lenses or thick blocks.
  • Demolding: Parts can be removed after 60-90 minutes, depending on geometry and oven temperature.
 
3. PRECAUTIONS 
  • Component C: T0387 often uses a third component (Catalyst) which must be measured precisely to control cure speed and color.
  • Moisture: Highly sensitive. JUCHENG uses nitrogen cabinets to store opened containers to prevent moisture contamination which causes cloudiness.

4. STORAGE 
  • Shelf Life: 6 months in original sealed containers.
  • Environment: Cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
 

Application Scenarios & Fields

  • Automobile: Headlamp outer lenses, thick light guides, instrument cluster windows, HUD (Heads-Up Display) covers.
  • Medical: Transparent manifolds, fluid containers requiring visual inspection, clear surgical planning models.
  • Consumer Electronics: Smartwatch screens, LED diffusers, clear audio equipment housings.
  • Retail & Display: Perfume bottle prototypes, point-of-sale display components, high-end trophies.

Vacuum Casting Process Compatibility

  • Silicone Molding: Works perfectly with high-polish silicone molds. The smoother the mold surface, the clearer the raw part.
  • Post-Processing: T0387 is designed for finishing. We perform wet sanding (up to 2000 grit) followed by buffing to achieve optical clarity.
  • Gluing: Can be bonded using UV-cure adhesives or clear epoxies for multi-part assemblies.

Advantages vs. Limitations

Advantages Limitations
High Clarity: Excellent optical transmission. Heat Resistance: Moderate HDT (~90°C). Not suitable for high-heat environments (use PX 5210 for that).
UV Stability: Resists yellowing better than standard urethanes. Cost: Premium optical resin is more expensive than general-purpose ABS simulants.
Rigidity: Good stiffness simulating PMMA/PC. Processing: Requires strict vacuum control and polishing to reach full potential.
Tintable: Easy to color for aesthetic prototypes. Cost: Premium optical resin is slightly more expensive than standard ABS-like resins.

Manufacturers & Alternatives

  • Manufacturer: Hei-Cast (H&K Ltd., Japan).
  • Alternatives at JUCHENG:
For European standard optical parts: Axson PX 5212.
For higher heat resistance: Axson PX 5210.
For higher impact resistance: Axson PX 527.
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