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Vacuum Casting

“Precision casting for flawless prototypes.”

Vacuum Casting delivers high-quality prototypes and production parts with exceptional detail and consistency. XC Machining offers reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring superior results every time.

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Vacuum Casting

What is Vacuum Casting?

Vacuum casting is a precise manufacturing technique that uses polyurethane resins and silicone molds to create accurate replicas of master patterns. By operating under vacuum conditions, this method eliminates air bubbles, ensuring exceptional detail and surface quality. It is a cost-effective alternative to injection molding, particularly suited for prototypes, small to medium production runs, and intricate designs.

At XC Machining, our vacuum casting services deliver high-quality results with shorter lead times, combining precision with versatility. The process allows for customization, including clear or colored finishes, specialized coatings, and the integration of functional inserts.

Technical Specifications for Vacuum Casting

Specification Details
Material Compatibility Polyurethane resins, ABS-like, PP-like, rubber-like materials, and silicone resins
Casting Accuracy ± 0.2% (dependent on part geometry and size)
Maximum Part Size Typically up to 2000 mm (varies with machine capacity)
Wall Thickness Minimum of 0.5 mm (dependent on material and geometry)
Surface Finish Smooth finish, up to 0.05 Ra (dependent on post-processing)
Temperature Range -40°C to 120°C (dependent on material selection)
Production Volume 1 to 50 units (ideal for low-volume production and prototypes)
Tooling Material Silicone molds
Tool Life 15–25 cycles (varies with material and complexity of the part)
Casting Time 7–10 days for initial mold creation, 1–2 hours per casting cycle
Vacuum Pressure Typically 0.05–0.1 MPa (adjustable)
Shrinkage Rate 0.15% to 0.4% (dependent on resin and mold design)
Curing Time 1–2 hours (varies with resin type)
Color Options Translucent, opaque, or custom colors (via pigmentation)
Applications Functional prototypes, design validation, low-volume production, and pre-series testing

How Does Urethane Casting Work?

The vacuum casting process is straightforward and in three main steps. Trust our professional engineers and technicians to handle your project well.
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Making the Master Model

The master model is 3D solids of the CAD design, and its quality usually decides the casting urethane part’s quality. We use CNC machining to make a quality master pattern for tighter tolerance, optical clarity, and a glossy finish. Moreover, we can also use SLA for the master model when dealing with parts with complex designs and structures.

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Silicone Mold Making

We create our silicone casting molds from liquid silicone (RTV molds). The silicone rubber possesses excellent chemical stability, flexibility, and self-releasing properties that allow the imitation of fine details from the master and minimal shrinkage. Depending on the part’s size, it takes 12-24 hours to complete the curing in an oven at 40 degrees Celsius. Once the silicone dries, we cut open the mold to extract the master model while we have an empty space: the original’s negative shape.

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Create Vacuum Casting Parts

We can easily create and replicate cast parts with exact mechanical features using our standard operational technique at XinCheng. We have expert urethane casting technicians that oversee the working framework, including mixing, degassing, stirring, preheating, casting, and demolding. You can be sure of a seamless operation and creation of impeccable copies of the master model.

Why Choose Vacuum Casting with XC Machining?

Provides rapid prototyping and precision parts using advanced CNC technology, ensuring exceptional quality and precision. Trust Vacuum Casting to meet your exacting standards.

Strong Manufacturing Capabilities

In our facility, you have a variety of machines for part production, including CNC turning lathes, milling machines, injection molding equipment, state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, and more.

Flexible Material Selection

At XC Machining, we try to ensure your choice is not limited, which is why we offer over 60 materials for you to choose from for your prototypes and products.

24/7 Engineering Support

In-depth service engineers with the knowledge to address your manufacturing inquiries are available from XC Machining. Our engineers are always on the ground to offer valuable advice.

Choice of Custom Finishes

We offer a range of surface treatments and custom finishes on solid metal and plastic parts, including anodizing, spray painting, vapor polishing, sandblasting, silk screening, etc.

Gallery of Vacuum Casting parts

This gallery showcases the exceptional quality and attention to detail we deliver in every project. From complex designs to flawless finishes, each image reflects our commitment to excellence in Vacuum Casting .
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Materials for Vacuum Casting Parts

Leading companies and engineers rely on XC Machining for rapid iterations and durable, high-quality parts. Whether it’s for prototyping or full-scale production, our wide range of materials ensures we meet the unique requirements of any Vacuum Casting project with precision and speed.

We use high-quality vacuum casting material at XC Machining. Although polyurethane is the only available material for vacuum casting. There are good ones and bad ones out in the market. At XC Machining, we always choose good materials made by good material supplier.

Polyurethane has many kinds. There are materials similar to PMMA, PC, ABS, Nylon, and more. XC Machining is here to help you choose the best one for your each project.

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Surface finishes for Vacuum Casting

We offer finishing services for Vacuum Casting, providing a wide range of finishing options to enhance both the durability and appearance of your parts. Whether it’s for prototyping or full-scale production, our finishing solutions ensure that your parts meet the highest standards of performance and visual appeal for all needs.

Brushing is a technique that utilizes abrasive pads or brushes to add a finish to the surface of a material. It is commonly used on metal surfaces to enhance their visual appeal. This method is especially effective on stainless steel, creating either a linear or circular pattern on the surface.

Black oxide coating is a popular choice for enhancing the surface of steel and iron. This finish not only provides a visually appealing dark surface, but also offers excellent wear resistance. Additionally, the black oxide coating can enhance the lubricity and durability of the treated surface, making it an ideal option for various applications.

Passivation is a common process used to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel by removing iron impurities and forming a protective oxide layer. This helps to improve the durability and performance of stainless steel in tough environments.

Paint serves as a surface coating that is effective on a wide range of materials, offering both aesthetic enhancement and protection against corrosion. It is available in numerous color options, making it suitable for application on metals, polymers, wood, and various other substrates.

Enhance the shine and smoothness of your materials by utilizing polishing techniques. By using abrasives such as buffing wheels or polishing chemicals, you can elevate the reflectivity and overall aesthetic of metals, resulting in a stunning mirror-like finish.

Alodine coating, also known as chromate conversion coating, is widely used on metals like aluminum. It serves as an excellent primer for paint or powder coatings, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant finish. By creating a thin layer of protection, it enhances the bond between subsequent coatings, ensuring long-lasting results.

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Specialist industries

XC Machining is a trusted partner for industries demanding complexity, reliability and precision. Our expensive experience in producing millions of high quality components brings unmatched expertise to every project.

Our services cover a diverse range of applications to ensure that we meet the unique needs of each sector with great care.

XC Machining supports the automotive industry with cutting-edge CNC machining solutions, enabling the production of complex parts that drive efficiency

For the semiconductor industry, XC Machining offers CNC machining services that meet the high precision demands necessary for manufacturing components

Our CNC machining services are pivotal in the energy sector, where precision and durability are essential. XC Machining supports the

XC Machining is a trusted partner in the industrial machinery sector, offering CNC machining solutions that ensure the robust and

XC Machining delivers precision machining solutions for the electronics industry, producing intricate components that meet the exacting standards required for

XC Machining offers specialized CNC machining services for the communications industry, crafting precision parts that are vital for the infrastructure

Our Vacuum Casting service capabilities

As a leader in precision manufacturing, we offer a wide range of capabilities that cater to both one-off prototyping and low-volume production. We specialize in delivering geometrically complex and highly cosmetic parts, ensuring the highest quality standards. At XC Machining, we pride ourselves on being the go-to manufacturer for all your Vacuum Casting needs, providing reliable and efficient solutions under one roof.

On-Demand Parts Delivered Fast with 4 Simple Steps

Xcmachining develops rapid prototypes and parts with efficient manufacturing expertise and advanced equipment. We are a reliable on-demand production company and ensure our products meet exacting tolerance specifications and quality standards.

Step 1:

Upload the Design File

This is the first step in the manufacturing process. Here, you upload your 3D CAD to our backend. This file could be STEP, STP, STL, OBJ, X_T, SAT, IGS, IGES, or SLDPRT file types.
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Step 2:

DFM Analysis

After uploading your design, our project managers will provide your feedback in the form of a real-time quotation. Additionally, you will get a quote and DFM analysis within a few hours.
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Step 3:

Quote Confirmation and Manufacturing

As soon as you agree to our quote, our team will start working with you to bring your ideas to life. Additionally, we would provide you with a variety of surface finishing options.
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Step 4:

Part Shipment

This is the final step in the production cycle; delivery. We produce your prototypes and parts within a few days. After part production, we deliver them directly to your doorstep.
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Vacuum Casting—Perfect for Creating Detailed Parts with XC Machining

One of the biggest advantages of vacuum casting is its ability to capture intricate details with precision. The vacuum process ensures that material fills every corner of the mold, delivering clear and sharp designs even for the most complex features.

Why Detail Matters in Vacuum Casting

  • Accurately captures complex shapes and fine details
  • Ideal for creating realistic prototypes
  • Reduces the need for additional finishing

For industries like electronics and automotive, where every detail counts, vacuum casting is an invaluable tool to achieve high-quality results.

Fast Production Turnaround

Compared to methods like injection molding, casting is significantly faster. The minimal setup required enables quick production, often delivering parts within just a few days. This speed is crucial for companies that need rapid prototyping or small batches on short notice.

Speed Benefits of Vacuum Casting

  • Facilitates rapid prototyping to keep projects on schedule
  • Meets tight production timelines with ease
  • Ideal for companies needing quick and flexible manufacturing solutions

With its quick turnaround, vacuum ensures projects stay on track and meet customer demands efficiently.

Perfect for Prototyping and Low-Volume Production

Vacuum casting is a practical solution for small production runs and prototypes. It offers affordability and flexibility, making it ideal for testing designs without committing to large-scale production.

Benefits for Prototyping and Low Volumes

  • Saves money with low-cost silicone molds
  • Perfect for small batches without high investments
  • Simplifies testing of multiple design iterations

For startups and businesses looking to experiment and innovate, vacuum casting offers an economical path to creating prototypes and limited-edition products.

Versatility in Material Options

Vacuum casting supports a wide variety of materials, enabling manufacturers to match material properties to project requirements. From soft, flexible parts to rigid, durable components, vacuum cast has it covered.

Material Options in Vacuum Casting

  • Flexible materials for rubber-like prototypes
  • Rigid plastics for strong and stable parts
  • Transparent materials for design clarity

This versatility ensures that vacuum adapts to diverse industry needs, making it a preferred choice for multiple applications.

Cost-Effective Production Method

By using soft silicone molds instead of expensive steel molds, vacuum casting significantly lowers production costs. Companies can save up to 40% on production costs compared to traditional methods, making it a budget-friendly solution for smaller runs.

Cost-Effective Benefits

  • Affordable silicone molds reduce setup costs
  • Ideal for small production runs without high upfront investments
  • Saves money while maintaining quality

Vacuum casting is perfect for businesses looking to optimize budgets while achieving high-quality results.

Easy Design Adjustments

Vacuum casting’s flexibility allows for quick and easy design changes. Creating a new silicone mold is straightforward, making it an excellent option for projects that require frequent adjustments during the testing phase.

Advantages of Design Flexibility

  • Quick and cost-effective design tweaks
  • Shortens waiting time for updated parts
  • Supports iterative testing and development

This adaptability ensures teams can refine designs without delays, keeping projects agile and responsive.

Produces Parts with Smooth Finishes

Vacuum casting produces parts with smooth, polished surfaces straight out of the mold. This eliminates the need for extensive finishing, saving both time and money.

Smooth Finish Benefits

  • Delivers polished, professional-looking parts
  • Reduces time and costs associated with post-production finishing
  • Ideal for industries where appearance is critical

For consumer-facing products or high-visibility components, vacuum cast ensures a ready-to-use finish.

Suitable for Complex Geometries

Vacuum casting excels at producing parts with intricate geometries and challenging angles. The vacuum ensures material reaches every part of the mold, resulting in accurate, high-quality components.

Benefits for Complex Shapes

  • Handles intricate and challenging designs effortlessly
  • Produces accurate parts with complex geometries
  • Minimizes the need for post-production modifications

This capability makes vacuum casting a reliable choice for industries requiring precision and attention to detail.

Why Choose Vacuum Casting with XC Machining?

Vacuum casting offers a perfect balance of speed, affordability, and precision. From capturing intricate details to delivering smooth finishes, it’s an ideal solution for prototypes and low-volume production. 

Whether you’re in electronics, automotive, or consumer goods, vacuum cast can help bring your ideas to life.

XC Machining specializes in advanced vacuum casting solutions tailored to your project needs. Our expertise ensures high-quality results with quick turnarounds and cost-effective production. Contact XC Machining today to discover how our vacuum cast services can transform your manufacturing capabilities and help you achieve your design goals.

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Bring Your Designs to Life with XC Machining

Experience precision engineering with XC Machining. From detailed prototypes to high-volume production, we’re here to turn your concepts into reality. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vacuum Casting

  • What kinds of things can be vacuum cast?

    Vacuum casting is commonly used with polyurethane resins, which are flexible, durable, and can mimic the properties of various plastics. Some plastics can be customized to have specific qualities such as being clear, flexible, or heat-resistant.

  • Why is vacuum casting a good way to make prototypes?

    Vacuum casting is an excellent choice for prototyping because it offers high accuracy, quick turnaround times, and is cost-effective. 

  • Is vacuum casting good for parts that will be used?

    Yes, vacuum casting can be used to produce parts that are intended for real-world use. The parts have great surface finishes and excellent properties, making them suitable for high-quality applications.

  • What kinds of businesses can use vacuum casting?

    Vacuum casting is particularly useful in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and healthcare, where flexibility and quick production cycles are essential for innovation.

  • How long does it take to create a prototype using vacuum casting?

    The time required to create a prototype using vacuum casting depends on the complexity of the design and the material used. However, one of the main advantages of vacuum casting is that it can produce prototypes within a few days.

  • Can vacuum casting be used for large-scale production?

    While vacuum casting is primarily used for prototyping and small-to-medium production runs, it can be used for limited series production. However, for mass production, other methods like injection molding might be more cost-effective and efficient.

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