Manufacturing knowledge · 6CProto Guides
Engineering decisions, organised
Vacuum, Urethane & Metal Casting Guides
Distinguish silicone-tool casting for small batches from metal casting routes. Tool life, material behavior and quantity determine the practical choice.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 18 focused articles
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Urethane Casting: Production-Looking Parts Without a Production Mold
Production-Looking Parts Without a Production Mold
Urethane Casting vs Injection Molding: Choosing by Quantity and Purpose
Choosing by Quantity and Purpose
Vacuum Casting: Removing Air So the Part Matches the Pattern
Removing Air So the Part Matches the Pattern
Vacuum Casting VS Injection Molding: How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Process from Prototype to Production
How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Process from Prototype to Production
What Is Pressure Die Casting?
Read the focused guide for pressure die casting.
Urethane Casting or CNC Machining: Which Process Fits Low-Volume Parts?
Which Process Fits Low-Volume Parts?
CNC Machining vs Metal Casting: How to Choose at Your Quantity
How to Choose at Your Quantity
Urethane Casting Guide: Vacuum Casting for Small-Batch Appearance Parts
Vacuum Casting for Small-Batch Appearance Parts
Urethane Casting vs Injection Molding: Cost, Volume, and Material Trade-Offs
Cost, Volume, and Material Trade-Offs
Vacuum Casting Materials: Matching PU Resins to Production Plastics
Matching PU Resins to Production Plastics
Silicone Mold Design for Vacuum Casting: Life, Venting, and Undercuts
Life, Venting, and Undercuts
Vacuum Casting for Consumer Electronics Enclosures: Small Batches with Production Looks
Small Batches with Production Looks
Painting and Finishing Vacuum-Cast Parts: Color Matching, Textures, and Clear Coats
Color Matching, Textures, and Clear Coats
Vacuum Casting for Automotive Interior Prototypes: Soft-Touch and Leather-Grain Parts
Soft-Touch and Leather-Grain Parts
Vacuum Casting Cost Drivers: Mold Cost, Part Volume, and Material Grade
Mold Cost, Part Volume, and Material Grade
Vacuum Casting for Medical Device Prototypes: Materials and Validation
Materials and Validation
3D-Printed Molds for Low-Volume Silicone and Urethane Casting
Read the focused guide for 3d-printed molds for low-volume silicone and urethane casting.
Designing Parts for Silicone Vacuum Casting: Draft, Walls, and Undercuts
Draft, Walls, and Undercuts
Before you release the project
- Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
- Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
- Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
- Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.
Common planning questions
Are urethane casting and metal casting interchangeable?
No. They use different materials, tooling and process conditions. Compare them only after defining the intended material behavior and production quantity.
What limits a silicone mold’s useful life?
Material, part geometry, demolding stresses and the casting conditions influence mold life and repeatability. Confirm the expected batch quantity with the supplier.
Move from guidance to a reviewed project
Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.