If you’re looking to create high-quality prototypes in small quantities, vacuum mold casting (also known as cast urethanes or vacuum casting) might be the ideal solution. This method can produce parts rapidly and efficiently, making it an excellent substitute for production tooling.

Working with a competent manufacturer, you can create parts of any size using a variety of materials that have similar properties to thermoplastics. By partnering with a trusted service provider, you can fully explore and leverage the capabilities of vacuum casting for your project, yielding superior results in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.

What can vacuum casting do?

Vacuum casting involves creating a master model of your design using stereolithography (SLA 3D printing) or CNC machining. Once the model is ready, liquid silicone will be poured around it and left to cure. After drying, the master will be removed from the mold, leaving only the cavity. Then, the casting process begins by pouring your choice of resin into the cavity. This should ultimately result in a production-like replica.

With vacuum mold casting, it is possible to produce identical plastic or rubber parts for low-volume prototyping or end-use production. It’s also beneficial for rapid iterations and market testing, as it can be done with a low, upfront investment, and it can generate self-colored parts.

Build production-grade parts

Do you want to save time building identical parts for low-volume production? Molding has scalable production capabilities that will allow you to produce anywhere from thousands to millions of similar components. Additionally, vacuum casting can build your parts from a massive selection of materials. Regardless of your choice, it will result in production-like components. Reputable manufacturers can use materials similar to ABS, PMMA, PA, PP, or PC, with additional features like transparency or flame retardant. They can also make parts from transparent soft rubber.

Create quality, detailed parts

Though you are building prototypes, vacuum mold casting can generate production-quality parts as good as injection-molded ones but with more details, thanks to silicone molds. That makes it suitable for highly detailed, small components. So, you can confidently test your parts in real-world settings before mass producing them.

We can support your prototyping needs.

Are you considering vacuum mold casting for your project? Contact us here at HLH Proto, and we will make it happen! We can also review your project and provide design tips to help you make the most of vacuum casting.