Silicone
Molding

Production quality parts at low volumes and prototyping speeds

Parts as fast as 10 days.

What is Silicone Molding?

Silicone Molding (also known as RTV molding, Urethane Casting, cast urethane, and Vacuum Casting) is a fabrication method that uses silicone molds to produce production-quality parts, without the high costs and lead times of steel or aluminum tooling.

Production Quality at Low Volumes

This process is a quick, cost-effective way to produce 10-200 units with production-level quality. Typically, each silicone mold will produce upto 20 castings.

Complex Elastomeric Parts

Silicone moulding is ideal for prototyping elastomeric parts such as complex gaskets and overmolds on rigid parts.

High Level of Detail

Silicone moulding allows for almost limitless complexity, including sharp internal corners unachievable with CNC machining, and designs without draft or uniform wall-thickness that can’t be injection molded.

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Parts can be fabricated and delivered in just 10 business days.

Silicone Molding Materials

Name

Description

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ABS-like
A general-purpose opaque material that simulates ABS thermoplastic. Good for most hardware product enclosures.
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Acrylic-like
A stiff, transparent material for simulating acrylic (PMMA). Good for see-through applications such as light guides.
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Opaque Rubber
Simulates all kinds of rubber-like materials such as TPE, TPU, and silicone rubber. Great for wearables, gaskets, and overmolds. Available from Shore 20A to Shore 90A in 10A increments.
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Clear Rubber
Simulates all kinds of rubber-like materials such as TPE, TPU, and silicone rubber. Great for wearables, gaskets, and overmolds. Available from Shore 20A to Shore 90A in 10A increments.

Colours and Finishing Options

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Standard

Pigment is added to the liquid polyurethane prior to casting, so each casting has as-molded color. Customers may provide Pantone code for approximate color matching.
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Precise Color Match

Paint is recommended for parts that require exact color matching. Very light colors or specific shades of white may only be achievable with painting. Pantone code or sample swatch must be provided for precise color matching.
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Custom Textures

A variety of textures can be achieved by texture painting the master prior to mold making or by painting the parts after casting.

Common Applications

  • Concept stage

    Looks-like models for marketing photography, investor pitches, and trade shows

  • Early prototyping stage

    Prototype elastomeric parts such as complex gaskets

  • Late prototyping stage

    Cost effective way to produce 100 EVT units before cutting injection molding tool

  • Low-volume production

    Low-volume production orders for customized, small-batch products (20-200 units at a time)

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