{"id":11675,"date":"2023-07-26T09:47:26","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T09:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/vacuum-casting-vs-injection-molding\/"},"modified":"2025-09-29T15:35:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T13:35:55","slug":"vacuum-casting-vs-injection-moulding","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/vacuum-casting-vs-injection-moulding\/","title":{"rendered":"Vacuum Casting vs. Injection Moulding \u2013 What&#8217;s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-is-vacuum-casting\">What is Vacuum Casting?<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-injection-moulding\">What is Injection Moulding?<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-choose-the-right-manufacturing-process\">How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Process<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#what-are-the-differences-between-vacuum-casting-and-injection-moulding\">What Are the Differences Between Vacuum Casting and Injection Moulding?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#summary\">Summary<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Casting and injection moulding are two common manufacturing processes that are used to fabricate many of the products we encounter every day. Polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, is commonly used to make parts such as gaskets in automotive settings, casters and rollers for medical carts, and various hardware such as pulleys, bushings, shock absorbers, and scraper blades<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine whether vacuum casting vs. injection moulding is better for your particular application, consider whether the part is for prototyping or mass production and identify how many parts you intend to create.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-vacuum-casting\"><strong>What is Vacuum Casting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Vacuum casting is the process of creating parts by pouring liquid plastic into a mould under a vacuum. The mould is typically made from a soft material such as silicone. Moulds filled with liquid plastic are then placed in an oven to cure. However, not all plastics require heating to cure. Some can cure at room temperature over time. Once cured, the mould is opened and the casted part can be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p>Vacuum Casting Technology Overview<\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/vacuum-casting-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/vacuum-cast-part.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/vacuum-casting-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Vacuum Casting: Process, Applications &amp; How It Compares<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-casting-process-animation.gif\" alt=\"Vacuum casting process animation\" class=\"wp-image-1680\" style=\"max-width:312px;max-height:312px\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-casting-process-animation.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11675\" data-caption=\"Vacuum casting process animation\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-casting-process-animation.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vacuum casting process animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The vacuum casting process is often used to create finished plastic parts for small production runs or for the rapid prototyping of a product that will eventually be injection moulded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The soft moulds for vacuum casting are created from a \u201cmaster pattern.\u201d A master model is a 3D-printed or CNC-machined replica of the part to be cast. The master pattern is then dipped in liquid silicone which then cures and sets. Once set, the master pattern is cut in half and the 3D-printed or CNC-machined portion is removed. This process leaves behind two mould halves whose internal cavities, taken together, are identical to the part to be cast.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-lead-time-of-vacuum-casting-for-production\"><strong>What is the Lead Time of Vacuum Casting for Production?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Lead times of production-level vacuum casting usually run from 1-2 weeks. While the master pattern and mould for vacuum casting can be completed between three to seven days, satisfying production volumes can take longer. This is because the plastic must cure before it can be removed from the mould, and curing time can\u2019t be abbreviated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The production output for a single vacuum casting mould is generally about 1-10 parts per day. The output largely depends on factors such as the type of plastic and part geometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Vacuum cast part next to its silicone mould\" class=\"wp-image-1629\" style=\"max-width:563px;max-height:375px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11675\" data-caption=\"Vacuum cast part next to its silicone mould\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Vacuum-cast-part-next-to-its-silicone-mould.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vacuum cast part next to its silicone mould<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-the-volume-produced-by-vacuum-casting\"><strong>How is the Volume Produced by Vacuum Casting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The volume of products produced by vacuum casting is small compared to other manufacturing methods. This is primarily because vacuum casting is a labour-intensive, manual process. It contrasts sharply with injection moulding or CNC machining processes which are heavily automated and require little manual intervention. Casting plastics must be prepared properly before casting. Some plastics may be purchased already in their liquid state. Others are purchased solid and must be melted in an oven.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/vacuum-casting-material-selection\/\">Vacuum Casting Material Selection<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/vacuum-casting-material-selection\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Coloured-vacuum-cast-parts.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/vacuum-casting-material-selection\/\" class=\"aside-link\"><\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Once liquified, plastics must be mixed at the appropriate ratios with different chemicals to facilitate proper curing and to obtain desirable characteristics such as a particular colour. Additionally, these ratios can be adjusted to achieve properties such as abrasion resistance or increased compressive strength.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some fast-setting plastics can cure within 30 minutes, others may take several hours to cure. All these aspects make the process suitable for prototyping and small-scale production runs, but not large manufacturing operations.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-tools-and-parts-cost-for-vacuum-casting\"><strong>What Are the Tools and Parts Cost for Vacuum Casting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The tools and parts required for vacuum casting are significantly cheaper than those associated with other manufacturing methods. Silicone for the moulds is inexpensive and it\u2019s much easier to create these flexible moulds than to make die sets for injection moulding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, suitable plastic resins and curing agents are affordable. The main barrier tends to be the master pattern since SLA printers or CNC machines are very costly. Many manufacturers outsource their master-pattern production to third parties. This, in many cases, is still significantly more cost-effective than other manufacturing technologies like injection moulding.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-tolerance-of-vacuum-casting\"><strong>What is the Tolerance of Vacuum Casting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/vacuum-casting\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/vacuum-casting-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/vacuum-casting\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"aside-link\">Learn more about tolerances for vacuum casting<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>The tolerance of vacuum casting is usually from 0.3 mm but can depend on several factors. The type of plastic, part size, and part complexity can all influence the tolerance of a vacuum-cast part. Tolerances can vary on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-vacuum-casting-expensive\"><strong>Is Vacuum Casting Expensive?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>No, vacuum casting is not expensive. It is cost-effective for both prototyping and manufacturing (depending on the production volumes required).<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-injection-moulding\"><strong>What is Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Injection moulding is the process of forming highly precise products by forcing molten plastic material into the cavities of a mould at very high pressure. This is unlike the casting process where gravity helps the plastic resin fill out the mold cavity. In injection moulding, the pressurised filling of cavities and rapid cooling of plastic parts makes it a significantly faster and repeatable process than casting. As such, it\u2019s an ideal process for large-scale manufacturing operations.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/injection-moulding-technology-overview\/\">Injection Moulding Technology Overview<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/injection-moulding-technology-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/injection-moulding-parts.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/injection-moulding-technology-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\"><\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" alt=\"Injection moulding process animation\" class=\"wp-image-1610\" style=\"max-width:284px;max-height:284px\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11675\" data-caption=\"Injection moulding process animation\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/moulding.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injection moulding process animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Moulds for plastic injection moulding are fabricated through methods like CNC machining and electric discharge machining (EDM). These two processes can form cavities to tolerances as tight as \u00b10.1 mm on average and, in some cases, may get as low as \u00b10.025 mm depending on the application.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the high pressures and temperatures involved, moulds for injection moulding are typically made from hardened steel or aluminium.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-lead-time-for-injection-moulding-for-production\"><strong>What is the Lead Time for Injection Moulding for Production?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Lead times for the actual injection moulding tooling are long. The precision necessary in the metal moulds requires time to perfect. Once the moulds are completed, however, injection moulding production needs less lead time than casting. Large quantities of plastic parts can be completed at a much faster pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The high pressure and rapid cooling make for a much faster cycle time. While some die sets for injection moulding have only one or two cavities, others may have well over 100. This means injection moulding can produce hundreds, if not thousands, of parts per day to fulfil production orders.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-the-volume-produced-by-injection-moulding\"><strong>How is the Volume Produced by Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The volume of parts possible through injection moulding is significantly higher than that produced by casting. Injection moulds can have multiple cavities for identical plastic components and overall cycle times are short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Injection moulded parts\" class=\"wp-image-1634\" style=\"max-width:604px;max-height:403px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11675\" data-caption=\"Injection moulded parts\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injection moulded parts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-tools-and-parts-cost-for-injection-moulding\"><strong>What is the Tools and Parts Cost for Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The tools and parts required for injection moulding are much costlier than those needed for vacuum casting. Die sets for injection moulding are typically fabricated from metals such as hardened steel or aluminium and are made to precise tolerances. Several machining processes and post-processes are required to create a viable mould.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Die sets are typically composed of many different parts such as ejection pins, springs, and limit switches. The cost of manufacturing and assembling die sets for injection moulding quickly runs into the thousands, or in some cases, hundreds of thousands of euros.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-tolerance-of-injection-moulding\"><strong>What is the Tolerance of Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Proper dimensions and tight tolerances in injection moulding are the most important things with respect to design and manufacturing. This is why we recommend referring to the <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/injection-moulding-tolerances-din16742-2013.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">industry standards DIN 16742:2013<\/a> where general tolerances for different linear dimension ranges are presented.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/tolerances-in-injection-moulding\/\">Tolerances in Injection Moulding<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/tolerances-in-injection-moulding\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Injection-moulded-parts.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/tolerances-in-injection-moulding\/\" class=\"aside-link\"><\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-choose-the-right-manufacturing-process\"><strong>How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When deciding whether vacuum casting or injection moulding is the right manufacturing technique, consider the items listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Production Volume<\/strong>: Vacuum casting is better for prototyping or small production runs, while injection moulding is better for medium-to-large production runs. Casting can produce 1-10 parts per day while injection moulding can produce hundreds, if not thousands, depending on the number of cavities in your mould.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tooling Cost:<\/strong> The tooling for vacuum casting is much cheaper than for injection moulding. Plastic resin, curing agents, and silicone moulds for casting are far less expensive than the hardened steel or aluminium die sets necessary for injection moulding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Part Cost<\/strong>: Vacuum cast parts are more expensive than injection moulded parts because of the manual labour and low volumes produced by casting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Material<\/strong>: Only a limited set of curable plastics can be used for casting while an extensive variety of thermoplastics and thermosets can be used with injection moulding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lifespan<\/strong>: Silicone moulds for vacuum casting are not as durable as hardened steel or aluminium injection-ready moulds that can last decades. Consider how long you expect to need your particular mould.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-differences-between-vacuum-casting-and-injection-moulding\"><strong>What Are the Differences Between Vacuum Casting and Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The table below shows the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of vacuum casting and injection moulding:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-581\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-581\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 96px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Vacuum Casting<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Injection Moulding<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Commonly Used For<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">\u2022 Small quantities: Prototyping, bridge tooling, and small production runs.<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">\u2022 High volume production: Medium-to-large production runs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Advantages<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">\u2022 Resins and silicone moulds are cheap and manufacturing has a low cost.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Rapid tooling: Tooling lead times are faster since moulds can easily be made using 3D printing or CNC machining and liquid silicone.<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">\u2022 Highly automated process means the price per part is much lower compared to cast parts.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Large volumes of parts can be made in a short time.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Parts are ready to be used after moulding.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Moulds are durable and long-lasting since they are fabricated from hardened steel or aluminium.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">\u2022 Labour-intensive process which drives the price per part up.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Production output is small compared to injection moulding.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Long production lead times.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Silicone moulds are not as durable as metal moulds.<br data-rich-text-line-break=\"true\" \/>\u2022 Parts require post-processing and 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16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>This article presented vacuum casting and injection moulding, explained what they are, and discussed when to use each process best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including vacuum casting, injection moulding, die casting, compression moulding and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and production needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":11676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[616,566],"class_list":["post-11675","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-injection-moulding-uk","global-tag-vacuum-casting-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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