Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.
Industry News
Vacuum casting with silicone is a manufacturing process used to produce high-quality plastic or rubber parts by pouring liquid material into a silicone mold under vacuum conditions.
How the process works
Master model — A precise master part is created, typically via 3D printing or CNC machining.
Silicone mold making — Liquid silicone is poured around the master model and cured, creating a flexible mold that captures fine surface details.
Vacuum casting — The mold is placed in a vacuum chamber, liquid polyurethane resin (or other casting material) is degassed and poured in, and the vacuum removes air bubbles before the material cures.
Demolding — The flexible silicone mold is peeled away, revealing the finished part.
Why vacuum is important here
Removes air bubbles from the liquid resin before and during pouring
Prevents voids and pinholes in the finished part
Ensures the material flows into every fine detail of the mold
Results in a smooth, bubble-free surface finish
Key advantages
High detail & surface quality — Can replicate textures as fine as fingerprints
Low cost for small runs — Much cheaper than injection molding for prototypes or short production runs (typically 10–50 parts per mold)
Material variety — Can simulate rubber, ABS, polypropylene, transparent plastics, and more
Fast turnaround — A mold can be made in 1–2 days
Common applications
Product prototyping and concept models
Small-batch production parts
Medical device housings
Consumer electronics enclosures
Automotive interior components
Props and special effects
Limitations
Silicone molds degrade after 20–50 uses
Not suitable for high-volume production
Part size is limited by the vacuum chamber
Material properties don't always perfectly match injection-molded equivalents
It's essentially a bridge manufacturing process — sitting between 3D printing (for one-offs) and injection molding (for mass production).