Casting Impregnation Shop

JS Gallery Imprex offers in-house VPI services. With a variety of VPI systems at our production facilities, we offer quick turnaround with a dedicated system for rush orders. We offer high quality of service, testing and documentation of impregnation. Our facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified for high quality and reliability.


Why Impregnation?

Impregnation is the fastest, most effective process for eliminating the inherent problems of porosity in cast and powdered metal. Porosity can be caused by numerous factors in the design, tooling, or pouring of casting and forming of P/M parts. Impregnation prevents leakage of fluids and gases, prevents plating defects, increases machinability, reduces scrap and increases profits. Impregnation does not alter the exterior dimensions and appearance of the part or component.


What Can be "Imprexed?"

Wherever castings of any metal must withstand hydrostatic, hydraulic, or pneumatic pressures, then they can be Imprexed.

  • Metal Casting Impregnation
    Impregnation of metal casting has become a standard finishing system and Imprex has led the way for more than 50 years in sealing porosity through VPI systems, using resin which solidifies inside the pore.

  • Powdered/Sintered Metal Impregnation
    Porosity is always present in powdered or sintered metal parts. Imprex specializes in supplying easy-to-control, economical products that are effective for sealing powdered metal components.
    • Imprex-impregnated P/M parts have these advantages:
      • Excellent machinability – Porosity in powdered metal causes chatter, resulting in reduced tool life. When porosity is filled with Imprex resin, chatter is eliminated and tool life is extended up to 1000%.
      • Excellent Plateability – The porosity in powdered metal will absorb oils, deburring fluids, pre-plating cleaners and acids that can later cause spotting on the plated surface. Impregnation fills voids and eliminates spotting.
      • Pressure Tightness – Interconnected porosity can cause leakage of gases, fuels, hydraulic oils, and so on through the wall section of the part. Imprex impregnation fills this porosity eliminating leakage.

  • Electronic Component Impregnation
    Just as with porous castings, electronic components need to be protected from moisture, humidity, solvents, fluxes and corrosive agents. The Imprex-e process seals leak paths between metal leads/wires and the molded plastic from the inside out.


The Process

Imprex VPI systems eliminate porosity by internally sealing parts through various methods of application. The process varies slightly depending on the requirements of the parts or the sealant used, however, the basic steps include removing air from the pores, filling the pores with sealants, removing excess sealant from the exterior of the part, and curing the part.


Impregnation Methods

  • Wet Vacuum Application
    Wet vacuum impregnation performs best with powdered/sintered metal. Wet vacuum offers fast cycle times and easy operation.
  • Dry Vacuum-Pressure Application
    Dry vacuum pressure application is recommended when sealing porosity is very small and sealing requirements are most stringent. The dry vacuum pressure application provides optimum sealing results for high-pressure requirement and is the required process for compliance with MIL-1-17563B.
  • Patented 3-Phase Impregnation (Wet and Dry Vacuum Cycles)
    This is best suited to a production environment utilizing a variety of difficult-to-handle impregnation mediums and potting compounds. A major advantage is resin storage and maintenance.
  • Imprex-e Electronic Component Sealing
    Our Casting Impregnation Shop is known for its work on sealing electronic components. Just as with porous castings, electronic components need to be protected from moisture, humidity, solvents, fluxes and corrosive agents. Imprex-e offers impregnation services for electronic connectors, wiring harnesses, cable assemblies, coils, sensors, solenoid valves, and more. The Imprex-e process seals leak paths between metal leads/wires and the molded plastic from the inside out.

In the Imprex Casting Impregnation Shop, each stage of the VPI process is monitored and documented. Quality and custom processes, such as basket size, part orientation, custom baskets and dividers, are engineered prior to the product arriving at our loading dock. Once here, a travel tag with process specifications and requirements follows the product each step of the way – from the time it’s unloaded off the truck to shipment back to the customer. Customer requirements and specifications are noted and products can be traced back to identify the systems operator, process specifications, time in the shop, and leak testing documentation.

We test our resins weekly, compare batch numbers, and audit our equipment specifications. A complete history of a batch can be traced. We also keep training records of our employees, who are trained to carry out and document procedures.


Contact Us

IMPREX, Inc.
3260 S. 108th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53227
414-321-9300 (phone)
414-321-9086 (fax)

Imprex Vacuum Pressure Impregnation Systems

Fabrication Shop, Vacuum Pressure ImpregnationImprex has been designing, engineering, manufacturing and installing Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) equipment since 1958. Our VPI systems are installed all over the world in applications from electronic equipment and coil windings to motors, generators, transformers, automotive parts, pumps, and more.

Imprex pressure vessels are built to ASME Code.


What Can be "Imprexed?"

Wherever castings of any metal must withstand hydrostatic, hydraulic, or pneumatic pressures, then they can be Imprexed.

  • Metal Casting Impregnation
    Impregnation of metal casting has become a standard finishing system and Imprex has led the way for more than 50 years in sealing porosity through VPI systems, using resin which solidifies inside the pore.

  • Powdered/Sintered Metal Impregnation
    Porosity is always present in powdered or sintered metal parts. Imprex specializes in supplying easy-to-control, economical products that are effective for sealing powdered metal components.
    • Imprex-impregnated P/M parts have these advantages:
      • Excellent machinability – Porosity in powdered metal causes chatter, resulting in reduced tool life. When porosity is filled with Imprex resin, chatter is eliminated and tool life is extended up to 1000%.
      • Excellent Plateability – The porosity in powdered metal will absorb oils, deburring fluids, pre-plating cleaners and acids that can later cause spotting on the plated surface. Impregnation fills voids and eliminates spotting.
      • Pressure Tightness – Interconnected porosity can cause leakage of gases, fuels, hydraulic oils, and so on through the wall section of the part. Imprex impregnation fills this porosity eliminating leakage.

  • Electronic Component Impregnation
    Just as with porous castings, electronic components need to be protected from moisture, humidity, solvents, fluxes and corrosive agents. The Imprex-e process seals leak paths between metal leads/wires and the molded plastic from the inside out.


Our Product Line

VPI Gallery All Imprex VPI Systems are designed and manufactured to customer specifications. Our systems range from small floor mounted systems (24" diameters x 30" deep, 30 gallon capacity) to a two-chamber OEM system (15' diameter x 10' deep with two reservoirs holding 7,000 and 5,000 gallons each). The advantage of a two-chamber unit is that while one chamber is being loaded/unloaded, the other chamber load is being impregnated. Imprex can customize all systems to meet any need and budget.

Our Imprex 3-phase system is best suited when utilizing a variety of difficult-to-handle impregnation mediums and potting compounds, or as a multi-purpose prototype system for experimentation with small quantities of a variety of impregnating solutions. For more information about this system, click here.

VPI SystemsProgrammable control systems are designed for each Imprex VPI System with operator-friendly touch screens and a variety of options for easy operation. Programming of processes is designed to meet customer specifications, and ensure repeatability and long resin life. Up to 80 adjustable set points are available and include vacuum level and time, pressure level and time, resin and part temperature, fill level, drain pressure, and any other important parameters for process control. PLC/computer screens available in several languages, including Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Systems include these basic components:

  • Vacuum Pressure or Vacuum Only Chamber Assembly
  • Vacuum Pump Assembly
  • Reservoir
  • Reservoir Cooling Assembly
  • Agitator
  • Resin Transfer Piping

Systems can also be outfitted with the following options, if applicable:

  • Chamber False Bottom
  • Chamber Load Plate
  • Chamber Linier
  • Chamber Rotor Shaft Extension
  • "Y" Strainer/Filter for Transfer Line
  • Micron Vacuum Pump
  • Process Chart Recorder
  • Capacitance Meter


Our Commitment To Quality

Imprex is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to its customers. Imprex pressure vessels are built to ASME Code .

Before shipping to a customer, Imprex's VPI Systems are inspected, tested, evaluated, and calibrated by an Imprex engineer. Systems can be built to ASME code and designed and engineered according to individual requirements.

Each Imprex VPI System is fully assembled and tested before shipment is made. The systems are then disassembled into the largest sized components practical for shipment and installation to minimize the start-up time at your facility.

Our facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified for high quality and reliability.


On-site Installation and Quality Assurance Visits

An Imprex representative will oversee your installation and provide training in its operation. Our personnel include mechanical, electrical and production engineers and certified ASME welders.

Our customer service policy includes yearly visits to your facility for maintenance of your VPI System. We'll tune-up and recalibrate the system, and offer additional training, if needed. Of course, you can contact us at any time for assistance. Our response time is immediate.

Our reputation is built on our customers receiving the goal is to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality product!


Quality Specifications

Imprex meets quality specifications and process requirements as defined in the specifications listed below.

  • MIL-I-17563C
  • MIL-STD-276A
  • GM 9985734
  • Ford ESEM4G17B
  • ESAN M4G210-A
  • Chrysler MS9543
  • Cummins Diesel 18187
  • General Dynamics 0-041350
  • Boeing Aircraft Bal 5500
  • Boeing Aerospace Bal 5591
  • Underwriters Laboratories Inc
  • NSF (National Sanitary Foundation)


Spare Parts

Imprex VPI Systems' Spare Parts Department has a comprehensive range of quality spare parts. We maintain complete documentation on all our VPI Systems, so we are able to provide you exactly what is needed to keep your unit operating efficiently. Our quality control department ensures the spare parts and equipment meet all specifications and certification requirements.

Whether you're looking for technical support to help identify part numbers, or solve production problems, Imprex Spare Parts Department is here to provide the support you need.

Spare parts can be ordered by phone, e-mail or fax during our office hours, which are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For spare parts service and information, contact:

Fax: (414) 321-9086


Contact Us

IMPREX, Inc.
3260 S. 108th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53227
414-321-9300 (phone)
414-321-9086 (fax)

For a high degree of flexibility, Imprex offers a 3-phase VPI system. To read more, click here.