Find the answer you need right away in the FAQ.
1-1.What post-processing options are available for vacuum-cast plastic prototypes?
Available options include polishing (for PMMA-like clear parts), painting, silk-screen printing, and other cosmetic finishes.
1-2.What types of products are best suited for vacuum casting?
Vacuum casting is ideal when you need small quantities of parts with consistent quality, or when validating designs prior to injection molding. It offers fast lead times and excellent cost efficiency, making it a preferred method for product developers and engineers.
1-3.What is the typical lifespan of a silicone mold?
A silicone mold generally lasts for 15–30 casting cycles (approx. 10–100 parts). Durability varies depending on material properties, curing conditions, and part geometry. For high-consistency requirements, multiple molds may be produced.
1-4.What materials can be used for vacuum casting?
Vacuum casting supports a range of polyurethane (PU) materials that mimic the properties of TPU, PC, ABS, and PMMA. This allows you to achieve stiffness, heat resistance, and impact strength comparable to final production parts.
1-5.Can vacuum casting be used to produce end-use parts?
Yes. When tooling costs are a concern, many startups and R&D teams use a combination of 3D printing and vacuum casting to produce low-volume end-use parts.
1-6.What is the typical manufacturing lead time at Creallo?
From master model production to final part delivery, vacuum casting projects are usually completed within 1–2 weeks, making it ideal for fast prototype development.
1-7.What are the limitations of vacuum casting compared to injection molding?
Due to mold durability and process characteristics, vacuum casting is not suitable for high-volume production. Cycle times are also slower than injection molding. For mass manufacturing, injection molding is more efficient.
1-8.What level of dimensional tolerance can Creallo achieve with vacuum casting?
Typical tolerances are around ±0.2 mm. Actual tolerances may vary depending on part geometry, and we provide precise guidance during consultation.
1-9.How does vacuum casting compare to injection molding in terms of cost efficiency?
Silicone molds for vacuum casting are significantly more economical than injection molds. Although injection molding offers lower per-unit costs for large quantities, vacuum casting is far more cost-effective for runs of approximately 10–100 units due to its low initial investment and short lead time.