Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI)

Proactively avoid rejected parts and failures in the field.

Vacuum Pressure Impregnation is used to seal micro and macro porosity in castings and other materials that are porous by nature. This increases the integrity of a casting that in many cases would be unusable. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, iron, brass, bronze, magnesium, powdered metal, and other rigid porous materials can benefit from this process. Impregnation is commonly used for items that must retain gases or fluids under pressure. Powdered metal items will encounter less chatter during machining, which will increase tool life.

Typical and proven applications of VPI:

• Pneumatic tool castings/systems
• Hydraulic pumps/systems
• A/C compressor housings
• Refrigeration components
• Aluminum/magnesium wheels
• Engine blocks
• Cylinder heads
• Valves
• Manifolds
• Carburetors
• Water & fuel pumps/systems
• Regulators
• Plastic molds
• Weldments
• Electrical & electric components
• Wired parts
• Ceramic parts
• Gas & steam fittings
• Carbon & metal seals
• Aircraft & aerospace components
• Marine components
• Compressors
• Meters
• Builder's hardware
• Powdered metal parts
• Wood

Depiction of porosity in cross-section of casting:

Our resin and impregnation procedure offer the following advantages:

• Superior sealing
• High chemical resistance
• High temperature resistance
• Cost effective
• No unpleasant odor

Since impregnation cost is typically just a fraction of the casting cost – even if it is not an integral step in manufacturing (as it may be in many instances), it can at least be adopted for salvage purposes instead of simply scrapping a part. Our impregnation resin is NSF approved, and rated to withstand temperatures from -50 to 400° F.

Our process exceeds major industry standards, including MIL-I-17563C and MIL-STD-276A. Any special information pertaining to your needs will be furnished upon request.