How quickly can urethane casting produce functional prototype parts?

Accelerated Timeline from Model to Part

Urethane Casting can produce functional prototype parts remarkably quickly, typically within 1 to 3 weeks from the receipt of an approved 3D model. This rapid turnaround is a core strength of the process and a key reason it is a staple of modern Rapid Prototyping. The speed comes from bypassing the lengthy and expensive hard tooling stage required for injection molding. Instead, the workflow relies on fast 3D Printing to create a master pattern, from which a flexible silicone mold is produced in a matter of days.

Breakdown of the Production Stages

The timeline is composed of several concurrent and sequential stages. The first phase involves creating the master pattern, often via high-resolution 3D printing, which can take 1-3 days. Simultaneously, material selection from our available Casting Material options is finalized. The next stage is mold making, where the silicone rubber is poured around the master and cured, usually within 24-48 hours. Once the mold is ready, the actual casting and de-molding process is very fast, often producing multiple parts per day depending on the complexity and size.

Factors Influencing Production Speed

Several factors can influence where a project falls within the 1-3 week window. The primary factor is part complexity; a simple, single-cavity part will be much faster than a complex assembly with multiple undercuts that require a multi-part mold. The quantity of parts also directly impacts the timeline. Furthermore, any required Post Process finishing, such as Painting or precision Post Machining, will add to the overall lead time.

Comparative Advantage for Iterative Design

This speed makes urethane casting the go-to method for die castings Prototyping and Low Volume Manufacturing during the iterative design phase. If a design flaw is found, a new master can be 3D printed and a new mold created in a fraction of the time and cost it would take to modify a steel tool. This allows engineering and design teams to test form, fit, and function with high-fidelity parts in a condensed timeframe, dramatically accelerating product development cycles.