Guides · 8 guides
Urethane / vacuum casting guides
Start hereWhat is vacuum casting? A plain-English guide
How vacuum casting (urethane casting) works, why it's used for 10 to 50 molded-looking parts, what materials and finishes it offers, and how to order it in Shenzhen. Written for first-timers.
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01Cost · 8 min50 parts: casting vs printing vs molding
You need around 50 plastic parts. Should you 3D print them, vacuum cast them, or make a mold? A plain-English comparison of cost, speed, looks and material, with a simple way to compare quotes.
02Choosing · 10 minWhich 3D printing process? SLA vs SLS vs MJF
The three 3D printing processes most used for professional prototypes and small batches, explained in plain words. How each works, how the parts look and behave, and which one to choose.
03Basics · 10 minWhat is injection molding? A plain-English guide
How injection molding works, why it makes plastic parts so cheap at volume, what the catch is, and when your product is ready for it.
04Basics · 10 minWhat is rapid prototyping? A plain-English guide
What rapid prototyping means, the main methods (3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting), how many rounds to expect, and how Shenzhen's prototype shops work.
05Choosing · 7 minChoosing a prototyping method: 3D printing vs CNC vs urethane casting
A simple comparison of the three main prototyping methods by speed, cost, strength, look and quantity, plus a quick way to pick the right one for each part.
06Working in China · 18 minHow to get an injection mold made in China
A plain-English walkthrough for first-timers. What an injection mold is, when you need one, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to make sure the mold belongs to you.
07Cost · 9 minHow much does injection molding cost?
The two costs of injection molding (the mold and each part) explained for first-timers, with a simple way to work out when molding becomes cheaper than prototyping methods.