Vacuum casting is a manufacturing technology that uses silicone molds to inject resin materials for molding in a vacuum environment. It is widely used in product prototyping and small-batch production.

When small-batch production of plastic products is required, CNC machining is often the first method that comes to mind. While CNC machining can produce small quantities, the unit cost increases as the quantity grows to a certain level, resulting in a lack of overall cost advantage.

If CNC machining costs are too high and the production volume is insufficient to justify manufacturing metal molds for injection molding, we recommend vacuum casting as the preferred manufacturing method.

Since vacuum casting does not require metal molds, it significantly reduces development costs and shortens lead times. It is particularly suitable for small-batch production needs ranging from a few units to dozens of pieces.

Vacuum casting is particularly suitable for small-batch production of the following product types: automotive exterior parts, electronic product housings, household appliance exterior components, and industrial equipment parts.

▲ Shapes difficult to machine as a single piece                    

▲ Double-shot casting

▲ Triple-shot casting

▲ Automotive bumpers

In vacuum casting, two-component hardening resins such as polyurethane (PU) and epoxy resin (EP) are primarily used.

Commonly used materials include:

•ABS-like

•PP-like

•Acrylic-like

•Polyurethane rubber

•Silicone rubber

Materials with the suffix "-like" indicate substitute materials with properties similar to the actual material, rather than being genuine ABS or PP resin. Therefore, if a product requires authentic ABS or PP materials, alternative manufacturing methods such as CNC machining or rapid tooling (simple mold molding) can be suggested based on requirements.

Furthermore, in vacuum casting, even soft materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone rubber can be used for casting. The hardness of the material can also be specified according to needs, making vacuum casting an extremely effective manufacturing method for prototyping rubber products.

•Short Lead Time Silicone molds have a short production time, allowing for rapid initiation of production.

•Low Development Cost There is no need to manufacture metal molds, significantly reducing initial development expenses.

•Capable of Complex Shapes Silicone molds are flexible, enabling the replication of complex structures and fine details.

•Capable of Large Products Large-scale products, such as appliance housings or automotive components, can also be manufactured.

•Adjustable Color and Transparency Resin materials can be colored, and transparent parts can also be produced.