Service
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting produces small series of plastic parts using silicone molds made from a master pattern.
What's included
- {"text":"SLA and CNC machining for high-accuracy masters before casting.","image":"https://nicerapidtooling.com/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Fvacuum-casting-feature-1.webp&w=3840&q=75","title":"In-house master pattern production"}
- {"text":"7-14 days from approved design to delivery.","image":"https://nicerapidtooling.com/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Fvacuum-casting-feature-2.webp&w=3840&q=75","title":"Short lead time"}
- {"text":"No hard tooling investment required.","image":"https://nicerapidtooling.com/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Fvacuum-casting-feature-3.webp&w=3840&q=75","title":"Up to 25 parts per mold"}
- {"text":"30+ PU resin types simulating ABS, PP, PC, rubber, and engineering elastomers.","image":"https://nicerapidtooling.com/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2Fvacuum-casting-feature-4.webp&w=3840&q=75","title":"Material range"}
How it works
Master Pattern
A high-accuracy master is produced by SLA 3D printing or CNC machining.
Mold Making
The master is suspended in a mold box and liquid silicone poured around it; cured for 8-16 hours.
Resin Selection
PU resin is chosen to match the target mechanical properties and surface finish.
Vacuum Casting
Resin is poured into the mold under vacuum and cured at 60°C.
Demolding
Cast part removed after curing; gates and flashing trimmed.
Finishing and Dispatch
Paint, primer, or surface treatment applied if required. Parts inspected and shipped.
About this service
Vacuum casting produces small series of plastic parts using silicone molds made from a master pattern. The master is typically produced by SLA or CNC machining and is used to cast a silicone mold. Liquid polyurethane resin is cast into the mold under vacuum, eliminating air bubbles and reproducing fine surface detail. Each silicone mold yields 20–25 parts before replacement, making the process ideal for small series that need surface quality and material properties close to injection molding without hard tooling cost.
What Sets Us Apart
- Engineering-led manufacturing: In-house SLA and CNC master pattern production for high-accuracy masters.
- Short lead time: 7–14 days from approved design to delivery.
- Up to 25 parts per mold: No hard tooling investment required.
- Material range: 30+ PU resin types simulating ABS, PP, PC, rubber, and engineering elastomers.
Our Vacuum Casting Capabilities
- Standard Vacuum Casting: Cast polyurethane parts in silicone molds with surface quality close to injection-molded parts for appearance prototypes, functional testing, and bridge production.
- Clear and Transparent Casting: Water-clear PU resins for optically transparent parts such as lens covers, display windows, light guides, and aesthetic components.
- Overmolding: Dual Material: Rigid and flexible resins combined in one part for soft-grip handles, two-material enclosures, and ergonomic assemblies.
- Textured Surface Casting: Custom textures applied to silicone molds to replicate leather grain, surface patterns, or fine detail for consumer products, automotive interior trim, and ergonomic parts.
Our Process
- Master Pattern: High-accuracy master produced by SLA 3D printing or CNC machining.
- Mold Making: Master suspended in a mold box; liquid silicone poured and cured for 8–16 hours.
- Resin Selection: PU resin chosen to match target mechanical properties and surface finish.
- Vacuum Casting: Resin poured into the mold under vacuum and cured at 60°C.
- Demolding: Cast part removed after curing; gates and flashing trimmed.
- Finishing and Dispatch: Paint, primer, or surface treatment applied if required; parts inspected and shipped.
Materials
| Material | Key Properties | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ABS-like PU | Rigid, good impact resistance, sandable | Housings, brackets, functional prototypes |
| PP-like PU | Slightly flexible, living-hinge capable | Clips, caps, snap-fit components |
| PC-like PU | High impact, heat resistant | Enclosures, structural housings, covers |
| Rubber-like PU (Shore A 40-80) | Flexible, elastic, tear resistant | Seals, grips, overmolded soft components |
| Nylon-like PU | Tough, slightly flexible | Snap fits, gears, load-bearing functional parts |
| Transparent PU | Optically clear, scratch resistant | Lenses, windows, display covers |
| High-Temp PU (HDT >120°C) | Heat resistant | Under-hood parts, heat-exposed components |
| Glass-Filled PU | Higher stiffness than standard PU | Structural brackets, dimensionally stable parts |
Output Specifications
- Typical tolerance: ±0.3mm on standard geometries
- Maximum part size: 800 x 500 x 400mm (master pattern dependent)
- Parts per mold: 20–25 pieces per silicone mold
- Lead time: 7–14 business days from approved design
- Minimum order: 1 piece
- Surface finish: A1–A3 gloss (SLA master), B1–B2 fine matte (machined master); texture available on request
- Available post-finishes: primer, paint, chrome-effect lacquer, matte, gloss
Industries We Serve
- Automotive
- Consumer Products
- Medical and Life Sciences
- Consumer Electronics
- Industrial Equipment
Vacuum casting delivers production-like parts without tooling investment. Request a quote within 24 hours.