¶ Vacuum Casting: Rapid, High-Quality Prototypes & Small Batches
3D Model > 3D Printed OR CNC Machined Prototype > Polish & Finish > Silicone Mold > Vacuum Casting > 1-500parts
Bridge the gap between prototype and production. Vacuum casting is the ideal process for creating small quantities of high-fidelity, functional prototypes or end-use parts. It replicates the look, feel, and material properties of injection-molded parts without the high cost and lead time of a production mold.
Why Choose Vacuum Casting?
- Speed & Cost for Low Volumes: Produce 10-50 parts in days, not months, at a fraction of the cost of injection molding tooling.
- Exceptional Detail & Surface Finish: Silicone molds capture ultra-fine details and textures, yielding parts with an injection-molding-like finish right out of the cast.
- Wide Material Selection: Cast parts in a vast range of polyurethane resins that simulate the properties of ABS, PP, PC, flexible rubber, and even transparent materials.
- Ideal for Design Validation: Perfect for functional testing, market testing, pre-production assemblies, and creating presentation-quality models.
Explore how vacuum casting can accelerate your product development cycle.
¶ Vacuum Casting Knowledge Hub
¶ 1 🔍 Fundamentals & When to Use It
Understand the vacuum casting process and identify the projects where it delivers the most value.
- What is Vacuum Casting? Process Overview and Advantages
- Vacuum Casting vs. Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing: A Comparative Guide
- Ideal Applications for Vacuum Casting: From Prototypes to Bridge Production
- Understanding the Cost Structure: Mold Cost, Unit Cost, and Lead Times
¶ 2 ✏️ Design for Vacuum Casting
Optimize your part design to achieve the best results from the silicone mold and casting process.
- Key Design Considerations for Vacuum Casting (Draft, Wall Thickness, Undercuts)
- How to Design Effective Molding Partitions and Air Vents
- Incorporating Inserts and Overmolding in Vacuum Casting
¶ 3 🧪 Materials (Castable Urethanes)
Select from a wide range of castable resins to match the properties of your target production material.
- Guide to Vacuum Casting Resins: Simulating ABS, PP, PC, Rubber, and More
- Choosing Resins for Transparency, High Temperature, or Flexibility
- Material Properties: Comparing Shore Hardness, Strength, and Color Options
¶ 4 ⚙️ The Process: Molding & Casting
Dive into the step-by-step workflow, from master pattern to final de-molding.
- The Vacuum Casting Workflow: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
- Silicone Mold Making: Life, Detail Reproduction, and Maintenance
- The Casting Process: Mixing, Degassing, Pouring, and Curing
¶ 5 ✨ Post-Processing & Finishing
Explore how to finish vacuum cast parts to achieve a production-ready appearance.
- Post-Casting Operations: De-gating, Sanding, and Polishing
- Painting, Metallization, and Soft-Touch Coating for Vacuum Cast Parts
- Achieving Textured and High-Gloss Finishes
¶ 6 📁 Applications & Case Studies
Discover how vacuum casting is used across industries for rapid prototyping and low-volume production.
- Consumer Electronics: Functional Housings and Button Prototypes
- Automotive: Interior Trim Prototypes and Fluid-Resistant Components
- Medical Devices: Ergonomic Models and Compliance Testing Prototypes
¶ 7 ⚑️ Quality & Technical Limits
Understand the capabilities, tolerances, and best practices to ensure part quality.
- Achievable Tolerances and Dimensional Accuracy in Vacuum Casting
- Common Defects in Vacuum Casting (Air Bubbles, Incomplete Fills) and Solutions
- Best Practices for Master Pattern Preparation and Mold Design