Polyurethane casting (also known as vacuum casting and silicone molding) is a relatively low-cost, low-volume manufacturing process. Using silicone as a master mold, polyurethane is injected under vacuum to produce parts with high dimensional accuracy, a smooth surface, and performance similar to injection molded parts. This makes it widely used in prototyping and small-batch production.
1. Prototyping
Polyurethane casting can produce detailed, near-finished prototypes, making them ideal for early design verification, user testing, and product demonstrations. It allows developers to fully test the appearance and functionality of a product before incurring expensive molds.
2. Small-Batch Production
When production quantities range from dozens to hundreds of pieces, polyurethane casting offers distinct advantages: fast turnaround time and reasonable costs. It offers products of higher quality than 3D printing without the high mold costs associated with injection molding. It is particularly well-suited for product trial runs and pre-launch projects.
3. Medical and Healthcare
Medical companies often use polyurethane casting to develop device housings, wearable prototypes, lab jigs, and more. This process meets stringent requirements for precision and reliability, making it suitable for use in regulated industries.
4. Automotive and Aerospace
The automotive and aerospace industries require functional verification under real-world conditions. Polyurethane casting can produce parts, such as instrument panels and protective housings, with properties close to the final material, saving time and cost while ensuring effective testing.
5. Consumer Goods and Electronics
In the consumer electronics and daily necessities sectors, polyurethane casting can produce high-quality housings, transparent or colored parts, and display-friendly models, helping companies quickly validate designs and then use them for product demonstrations.
6. Marketing and Display Models
Beyond engineering applications, polyurethane casting is also commonly used to create visually appealing exhibits for trade shows, customer presentations, or crowdfunding campaigns.
Conclusion
Polyurethane casting can help product developers smoothly transition between prototyping and injection molding. It is an efficient solution for a wide range of industries, including medical, automotive, and consumer electronics. With its fast delivery, high quality, and competitive cost, it is helping more and more companies accelerate product development and shorten time to market. CS MOLDING offers high-quality polyurethane casting services. Contact us for more information and a quick quote.
