CNC Machining
Tight tolerances and finishing capabilities, as fast as 2 days.
Sheet Metal
Experience the versatility & cost efficiency with flexible application options.
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Production-grade steel tooling, as fast as weeks.
Die Casting
Create high quality custom mechanicals with precision and accuracy.
3D Printing
FDM, SLS, SLA, PolyJet, MJF technologies.
Compression Molding
Experience lower tooling costs with high-quality durable parts.
Urethane Casting
Production quality parts without the tooling investment.
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Urethane casting is an ideal technique for creating prototypes of elastomeric elements, such as complex gaskets and overmolds for rigid components.
Urethane casting provides unparalleled design flexibility, making it possible to produce parts with sharp internal corners that are usually beyond the capabilities of CNC machining. Additionally, this method accommodates designs that lack draft angles or have non-uniform wall thicknesses, which can be difficult or impractical to manufacture through injection molding.
ABS-Like
Acrylic-Like
Opaque Elastomer
Waterclear Elastomer
ABS-Like is a flexible polyurethane plastic crafted to mimic the characteristics of ABS thermoplastic. It serves as an outstanding choice for various product casings and enclosures.
unofactory Urethane Casting Advantages
Concept stage
Models with a realistic appearance intended for marketing photography, investor presentations, and trade show displays
Early prototyping stage
Prototype intricate elastomeric components like complex gaskets
Late prototyping stage
An economically efficient method for manufacturing 100 EVT units prior to fabricating the injection molding tool
Low-volume production
Orders for customized, small-batch products tailored to low-volume production requirements (ranging from 20 to 200 units per order)
Technology Overview
About the Urethane Casting Process
Urethane casting, also referred to as RTV molding, cast urethane, and silicone molding, is a fabrication technique utilizing silicone molds to manufacture production-grade plastic parts.
The process of urethane casting involves three primary steps:
1. 1. The initial step involves fabricating a master pattern using either 3D printing or CNC machining technology.fabricating a master pattern using either 3D printing or CNC machining technology.
2. 2. Subsequently, a mold is crafted by encapsulating the master pattern with platinum silicone, which is poured around it.
3. 3. Finally, liquid polyurethane resin is injected into the prepared mold, and under vacuum conditions, it cures to form precise polyurethane castings.
Advantages of Urethane Casting
The benefits of urethane casting include the ability to produce parts that meet production standards at reduced volumes, while avoiding the substantial costs and extended lead times typically linked to steel or aluminum tooling. This capability is particularly precious when launching new products, as it permits the evaluation of market-ready items to confirm design concepts with potential customers and in new markets. This approach allows companies to test and refine their products before making significant investments in large-scale production.
Urethane Casting Design Considerations
For those with expertise in designing parts for injection molding, the transition to designing parts for urethane casting is straightforward, as the same established best practices and conventional wisdom can be directly applied.
Capabilities
