Silicone tooling and master patterns
A master pattern is made by CNC machining or 3D printing, then a silicone mold is poured to create reproduction copies. The process is intended to recreate parts quickly for low-volume production.
For low-volume production and design verification, Immicron provides custom vacuum casting, and as a vacuum casting manufacturer it supports small batches of 10–100 PCS with silicone tooling, engineering-grade PU resins, and controlled vacuum pours.
A low-volume manufacturing option for turning a master pattern into functional polymer parts.
Immicron Vacuum Casting Service uses silicone molding, also described on the product page as silicone tooling, to create reproduction copies quickly for low-volume production. A master is first made by CNC machining or 3D printing. A silicone mold is then poured around that master and used to reproduce the part. The controlled vacuum environment helps liquid resin fill the mold cavity completely, eliminating air pockets and voids for a dense, uniform structure and a flawless surface finish.
The service is relevant for design verification, functional testing, assembly validation, and end-use parts for market entry. The product page positions it as a rapid, efficient alternative to vacuum die casting, especially when complex metal tooling would slow iteration. Parts can replicate intricate textures and precise geometric features, while finishing options can add color, texture, or a metallic appearance.
Use these capability notes to check whether the service matches the geometry, material, and finish requirements of the project.
A master pattern is made by CNC machining or 3D printing, then a silicone mold is poured to create reproduction copies. The process is intended to recreate parts quickly for low-volume production.
Silicone tooling replicates intricate textures and precise geometric features of the master pattern. The mold strategy can accommodate undercuts, negative drafts, and intricate details without complicated sliders or lifters.
The controlled vacuum environment ensures liquid resin fills the mold cavity completely, eliminating air pockets and voids. The result is a dense, uniform structure and a flawless surface finish.
Polyurethane resins can mimic the mechanical characteristics of ABS, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, and Acrylic. The page also lists PU8400, PU8150, PU8260, and PX Series grades such as PX100, PX210, and PX521.
Elastomeric resins are available for rubber-like parts with varying Shore hardness levels, suitable for seals and gaskets. Pigments can be incorporated for precise color matching or UV stability.
Finishing options include polishing, painting, advanced texturing, and metallic coatings that simulate metal or anodized aluminum. Integrated overmolding can bond a soft rubber grip onto a rigid plastic housing in a single cohesive unit.
These are the specifications stated on the product page. The page does not list dimensional tolerance figures, build volume, or lead times, so confirm those project-specific details directly with the supplier before ordering.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Batch size | Small batches of 10–100 PCS |
| Mold output | Generally, a mold can reproduce 10–30 pieces/copies |
| Materials used for vacuum casting | Silicone, rubber, PU (PU8400, PU8150, PU8260...), PX Series (PX100, PX210, PX521...) |
| Simulated thermoplastic properties | ABS, PC, PP, PMMA |
| Shore hardness | Varying Shore hardness levels; no numeric values stated on the product page |
| Compliance claim | ISO 13485 compliant processes, stated in the medical device use scenario |
Use this guide to decide whether vacuum casting fits the batch size, material target, geometry, and validation stage of the project.
Vacuum casting is a good fit when the project needs a small batch, a fast route to functional parts, or a way to validate a design before committing to complex metal tooling. The product page describes the service as a rapid, efficient alternative to vacuum die casting and notes quicker iterations than traditional vacuum die casting with complex metal tooling.
The product page connects the service to functional prototypes, design verification, and short production runs.
Use vacuum-cast parts to test fit, assembly, and function before a production tool is ready. The page notes that parts are ready for testing and assembly validation.
Elastomeric resins are available for rubber-like parts with varying Shore hardness levels, making them suitable for seals and gaskets. Confirm the exact hardness for the application.
Integrated overmolding can combine a soft rubber grip with a rigid plastic housing for ergonomic handheld devices, protective casings, and functional buttons.
The product page states ISO 13485 compliant processes in a medical device use scenario. Verify the applicable process controls for the specific project before ordering.
Before release, check the workflow against the details listed on the product page and confirm project-specific gaps with the supplier.
The master pattern is made by CNC machining or 3D printing, and the silicone mold is poured to create reproduction copies. The controlled vacuum environment is intended to eliminate air pockets and voids, producing a dense, uniform structure and a flawless surface finish. Technicians optimize mold strategies for damage-free demolding when parts include undercuts, negative drafts, or intricate details.
This verification step keeps the order grounded in the listed service scope and avoids assuming specifications that are not published.
For a 10–100 PCS run, review the product page or contact Immicron with the master pattern details, target resin, quantity, finishing requirements, and validation needs.
Keep adjacent product options together for a faster catalog comparison.
The product page lists small batches of 10–100 pcs, and generally a mold can reproduce 10–30 pieces/copies.
The listed materials include silicone, rubber, pu grades such as pu8400, pu8150, and pu8260, and px series grades such as px100, px210, and px521. pu resins can mimic abs, pc, pp, and pmma.
A master is first made by cnc machining or 3d printing, then a silicone mold is poured to create reproduction copies. the mold replicates the master pattern’s intricate textures and precise geometric features.
Yes. elastomeric resins are available for rubber-like parts with varying shore hardness levels, suitable for seals and gaskets. the product page does not state numeric shore hardness values.
Finishing options include polishing, painting, advanced texturing, and metallic coatings that simulate metal or anodized aluminum. pigments can be incorporated for color matching or uv stability.
Use the contact us page to discuss the master pattern, target resin, quantity, finishing requirements, shore hardness, tolerance expectations, and lead time for the project.