Vacuum Molding for Small Batch Production: The Best Choice for 10-200 Plastic Parts
In product development, there is often a need: the prototype verification has been completed, but the cost and lead time of formal mold are too high. However, you actually need dozens to hundreds of parts for trial production, exhibitions or market testing. Vacuum silicone molding is the ideal solution to this problem. Dongguan Yiruida Technology Co., Ltd. provides professional vacuum molding services with extremely low mold costs and fast delivery, helping you easily complete the production of 10-200 small batch plastic parts.
What is vacuum molding?
Vacuum molding is a small-batch production method based on silicone molds. First, a high-precision master model is made by CNC machining or 3D printing. Then, liquid silicone is used to wrap the master model to make the mold. In a vacuum environment, PU resin is poured into the silicone mold, and after curing, it can produce copies identical to the master model.
- Single mold life: 15-25 pieces (complex parts) to 30 pieces (simple parts)
- Lead time: Master model 1-3 days + mold making and casting 2-3 days = total 5-7 days
- Cost: Only 1/10 to 1/5 of the formal injection mold
- Best quantity: 10-200 pieces
PU Resin Materials That Can Be Cast
We provide various PU resins that can almost simulate all common plastics:
| Material Type | Simulated Material | Hardness | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hard Plastics | ABS | 80D | Enclosures, structural parts |
| High-Toughness Hard Plastics | PP / POM | 75D | Snap-fit, hinges, movable parts |
| Transparent Rubber | PC / PMMA | 80D | Transparent enclosures, lampshades |
| Heat-Resistant Rubber | Heat-resistant ABS | 85D | Parts resistant to 80-100°C |
| Soft Rubber | Rubber / TPE | 30A-80A | Sealing rings, anti-slip pads |
| Flame-Retardant Rubber | UL94-V0 | 75D | Electrical appliance enclosures |
Surface Treatment Capabilities
Molded parts can undergo various post-treatments to achieve an appearance close to mass production:
- Painting (matte, glossy, rubber paint, metal paint)
- Screen printing / Transfer printing (Logo, scale, pattern)
- Electroplating (chrome imitation, nickel plating)
- Water transfer printing (wood grain, carbon fiber)
- Polishing of transparent parts
Typical Application Scenarios
- Medical device trial production: 30 sets of ventilator face masks, cost only 1/8 of the formal mold, successfully passed clinical assembly testing
- Smart hardware crowdfunding: 20 sets of smart speaker enclosures, rubber paint + screen printing logo, same as mass production effect, lead time 6 days
- Automotive modification parts: 50 sets of car light brackets, cost reduced by 60% compared to CNC processing, excellent dimensional consistency
- Robot exhibition samples: 10 sets of robot enclosures, quickly assembled for exhibition demonstration
Why Choose Our Vacuum Molding Service?
- Rich process experience: hundreds of molding projects completed annually, familiar with shrinkage rate and bubble control
- High master model accuracy: self-owned CNC and SLA equipment, master model quality is controllable
- Full range of materials: more than ten types of PU resins are usually available, can be mixed on the same day
- Comprehensive surface treatment: internal painting, screen printing, electroplating, faster delivery time
- Transparent quotation: no hidden fees, support customer-provided master models
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the materials used in vacuum molding the same as injection molding?
A: The performance of PU resin is very close to ABS, PC, etc., but not exactly the same. For appearance parts and general structural parts, customers usually cannot tell the difference.
Q: How many pieces can one mold produce?
A: Usually 15-25 pieces. If more are needed, 2-3 parallel molds can be made.
Q: What is the maximum molding size?
A: The maximum single piece size is 600×600×400mm, larger sizes can be split and bonded.
Immediately evaluate your molding project