Small batch processing including CNC processing and Vacuum casting two ways, CNC processing can make plastic, can also make metal. Vacuum casting is a kind of pro prototype processing method, suitable for making small batch soft adhesive, ABS, nylon and other materials of the hand plate, Vacuum casting production cycle is short, low cost, but its production accuracy is only ± 0.2mm or so, if the model precision requirements are very strict, try not to choose this way to do.
CNC processing: is more commonly used prototype processing, processing accuracy than other processing methods to high, the processing of a wide range of materials, plastic and metal materials can be processed, there are high requirements for the precision of the proposed use of CNC processing.
The main advantage of small batch prototypes is low cost and short production cycle. For example, CNC processing needs a few hundred dollars to do the prototype, using Vacuum casting to do, only a few dollars can be done, dozens of prototype 3 or 4 days can be done. Effectively reduced the enterprise new product design and development time and cost.
Processing technology of small batch prototype:
1: the original version should be made before the production of vacuum casting. The original version is usually done by CNC machining or 3D printing. After the original version is finished, the manual department can be polished. The materials of silicone mold are: ABS, PP, PC, POM, PA, soft adhesive and so on.
2: Vacuum casting: mainly used for small batch prototype, short cycle, low cost, but the performance and precision of prototypes is not as good as CNC processing, under normal circumstances, the service life of silica gel mold is about 10-20 times.
The probability of making mistakes is small, as long as there is no problem with the prototype, there will be no problem with the product.
But the disadvantage of small batch prototype is to make the finished product, will be affected by hot expansion and cold shrinkage, resulting in the size will shrink, these factors should be considered, otherwise the prototype is not qualified. Small batch prototype model processing compared to CNC processing, in terms of accuracy cannot be compared, so the use of the above two processing methods have their advantages.
FAQ:
The two main methods are CNC machining and vacuum casting. CNC can process both plastics and metals, while vacuum casting is best for soft adhesive, ABS, nylon, and similar materials.
If your prototype requires high precision or uses metal materials, CNC machining is preferred. Vacuum casting has lower accuracy (about ±0.2 mm) and is better for less strict tolerances.
Vacuum casting has a short production cycle, low cost, and is ideal for making multiple plastic prototypes quickly. It’s especially cost-effective for dozens of units within a few days.
CNC machining offers much higher precision than vacuum casting. Vacuum casting typically achieves ±0.2 mm accuracy, while CNC can reach tighter tolerances depending on the design.
The original version is typically created by CNC machining or 3D printing, then manually polished before making the silicone mold.
Common materials include ABS, PP, PC, POM, PA, and soft adhesive.
Under normal conditions, the service life of a silicone mold is about 10–20 casts.
CNC prototypes may cost hundreds of dollars per unit, while vacuum casting can produce prototypes for just a few dollars each.
Hot expansion and cold shrinkage can lead to size reductions, so these effects must be considered during design.
If accuracy and performance are the top priorities, choose CNC machining. If cost and speed are more important, and moderate tolerances are acceptable, vacuum casting is the better option.
