The Synergy of CNC Machining and Vacuum Casting

In the competitive landscape of custom part manufacturing, companies that leverage complementary technologies offer unparalleled value. For businesses seeking reliable, highquality components from prototyping through to midvolume production, the strategic integration of CNC machining and vacuum casting represents a powerful synergy. This combination is not merely an alternative but a strategic advantage for optimizing cost, speed, and functionality.


cnc machining center
CNC machining stands as the cornerstone of precision manufacturing. Using computercontrolled tools, it sculpts parts from solid blocks of metal or engineering plastics like aluminum, stainless steel, POM, and nylon. The result is parts with exceptional dimensional accuracy, superior mechanical strength, and excellent surface finishes. It is ideal for functional prototypes, highstress enduse components, and parts requiring tight tolerances. However, for designs with complex geometries or internal cavities, or when moving beyond a few pieces, machining can become timeconsuming and costly due to material waste and setup times.

This is where vacuum casting, or polyurethane casting, excels. The process begins with a master pattern, often CNCmachined to perfection. This master is used to create a silicone mold. Under vacuum, liquid polyurethane resin is poured into the mold, replicating the master with high fidelity. Vacuum casting shines in producing small to medium batches (typically 1050 parts) of complex, detailed components with various material properties—from rigid and glassclear to flexible and rubberlike—all at a fraction of the cost of individual machining.

The true synergy lies in the workflow. A CNCmachined master ensures the initial model is flawless. Vacuum casting then rapidly multiplies this perfect form, allowing for costeffective design validation, user testing, and preproduction runs. Clients can test multiple material grades and colors before committing to expensive massproduction tooling. For final production, critical metal components are CNCmachined for durability, while complementary housings or connectors are vacuumcast, optimizing the entire Bill of Materials.

Our onestop service harnesses this exact synergy. We guide clients through the optimal blend of these technologies, ensuring the fastest route to market without compromising on quality. From a single precisionmachined prototype to a batch of 50 cast parts for market launch, we provide a seamless, efficient pipeline. This integrated approach reduces lead times, manages budgets effectively, and derisks the development process, directly contributing to our clients' growth by accelerating their product innovation and launch cycles. Partner with us to experience how strategic manufacturing synergy turns complex part challenges into your competitive edge.