High Gloss Vacuum Casting

High Gloss Vacuum Casting

High Gloss Vacuum Casting is the ideal solution for prototype development and small-batch production where appearance quality is critical. It delivers injection-molding-grade surface finish and optical performance within a fraction of the lead time — particularly suited for transparent or semi-transparent parts requiring high clarity and mirror-grade gloss.
Our silicone mold casting service, combined with precision master model polishing and vacuum degassing processes, achieves surface roughness as low as Ra < 0.05 μm and excellent light transmittance. From transparent consumer electronics enclosures and automotive lampshade prototypes to medical device panels, we help customers rapidly validate designs while meeting optical-grade surface quality requirements.
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Description

Core Capabilities

 

Our High Gloss Vacuum Casting achieves the optimal balance between *injection-molding-like quality* and *fast delivery*:

Ultra-low surface roughness -

Ra < 0.05 μm (SPI A-1 grade), delivering a true mirror-like high-gloss effect far superior to standard vacuum casting

01

Reliable dimensional accuracy -

 Tolerance controlled within ±0.1 mm/100 mm, meeting fine assembly requirements

02

Rapid lead times -

Samples produced in as fast as 24 hours for simple single-cavity parts; standard turnaround 3–5 business days

03

Small-batch cost advantage -

No hard tooling required; 10–200 piece production cost is significantly lower than injection molding - ideal for bridge production and market validation

04

Optical-grade transparency -

High-purity transparent PU resin combined with vacuum degassing achieves high light transmittance and low haze, suitable for optical and visual verification

05

 

High Gloss Technical Process

 

We achieve optical-grade vacuum casting and high-polish prototypes through the following technical approach:

product-800-800
 
 

Master model polishing - The master is polished to SPI A-1 grade using 6,000-grit diamond buff; the silicone mold faithfully replicates the mirror finish

 

High-purity transparent PU resin - Specially formulated resin designed for maximum optical clarity; precisely metered and mixed

 

 

Vacuum degassing process - Casting performed under high vacuum (< 10 mbar absolute), effectively eliminating micro-bubbles, maximizing transparency, and eliminating internal defects

 

The result is a transparent component with a glass-smooth exterior and optically clear interior - light transmittance approaching that of real PMMA/PC, suitable for applications demanding the highest visual quality.

 

Material Selection Guide

 

We offer a range of high-performance polyurethane resins to meet diverse mechanical, optical, and thermal requirements:

Material

Simulates

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Heat Deflection Temp (°C)

Light Transmission (%)

Hardness (Shore D)

Typical Applications

**Hei-Cast 8150**

ABS-like

45–60

55–70

Opaque / Translucent

78–82

Functional durable prototypes

**AXSON PX-5210 / UPX 5210**

PMMA / PC-like

55–70

60–75

> 90 (water-clear)

80–85

Optical-grade clear plastic castings

**High-Temp Transparent PU**

PC-like (heat-resistant)

50–65

85–110

> 85

80–86

Heat-resistant transparent parts

**Flexible Transparent PU**

TPU-like

15–30

40–60

> 80

40–60 (Shore A)

Soft-touch clear covers, flexible lenses

Selection guidance: Choose AXSON PX-5210 when maximum optical transparency and ease of polishing are required. Select high-temperature transparent formulas when greater heat resistance is needed. We recommend the optimal material based on your specific functional requirements.

 

Surface Treatment Options

 

High Gloss Vacuum Casting parts can be further enhanced through post-processing:

Treatment

Benefit

**Hand Polishing**

Additional mirror polishing applied post-casting to further reduce Ra value

**UV Coating**

Enhances surface hardness and scratch resistance; protects transparent parts from UV-induced yellowing

**PVD Electroplating**

Achieves metallic texture or mirror effect on high-gloss substrate

**Spray Painting**

Precisely matches Pantone/RAL colors; supports semi-transparent or gradient effects

We specialize in high-polish prototype post-processing and offer complete surface solutions ranging from pure optical transparency to fully customized appearance finishes.

 

Defect Control & Quality Assurance

 

Common vacuum casting challenges - bubbles, shrinkage, incomplete cure, and surface hazing - are controlled through strict measures:

 

Bubble control -

High-vacuum degassing (< 10 mbar absolute) + optimized pour speed and gate path design

 
 

Shrinkage management -

 Precise resin ratio control, mold preheat temperature, and curing curve optimization; linear shrinkage rate controlled within 0.3%

 
 

Cure integrity -

Strict mold temperature (above 60 °C) and post-curing protocol to ensure complete material reaction

 
 

Surface haze prevention -

High-purity resin, clean operating environment, and SPI A-1 mold polishing combined to deliver reliable mirror replication

 

Every batch undergoes visual inspection, dimensional measurement, and transmittance testing, with a complete quality report provided to establish customer confidence.

 

Application Scenarios

 

Application

Details

**Automotive Lampshades & Optical Components**

Mirror-grade gloss surface prototypes for light distribution verification, closely simulating final injection-molded performance

**Medical Device Panels**

Optically clear panels with high transparency and medical-grade cleanliness; support color coding and visual inspection

**Consumer Electronics Enclosures**

High-end headphones, phone cases, and display component prototypes with crystal-clear appearance and precise assembly fit

**Luxury Perfume Bottles & Packaging**

Optical-grade transparent bottle prototypes with high gloss and complex geometry for rapid design aesthetics validation

**Other Applications**

Instrument windows, light guides, display models, and any transparent or semi-transparent part requiring high visual quality

 

FAQ

 

What does High Gloss Vacuum Casting cost compared to injection molding?

For small batches of 1–200 pieces, High Gloss Vacuum Casting offers significant cost advantages with no expensive steel tooling required. Depending on part size, material, and surface requirements, costs are typically 50–80% lower than hard-mold injection molding. Contact us for a fast quote.

Can it achieve true optical-grade transparency?

Yes. Through SPI A-1 mold polishing, high-purity transparent PU resin (such as AXSON PX-5210), and vacuum degassing, we achieve water-clear transparency with light transmittance > 90% - suitable for optical verification and premium display applications.

What level of surface gloss can be achieved?

The standard process consistently achieves SPI A-1 mirror-grade high gloss (Ra < 0.05 μm). Additional hand polishing and UV coating can further enhance the mirror texture.

What materials can be simulated?

We support simulation of ABS, PC, PMMA, PP, as well as high-temperature resins and flexible materials. We recommend the most suitable polyurethane formula based on your requirements for mechanical properties, transparency, and heat resistance.

Does it support color matching and surface coloring?

Yes. By incorporating color masterbatch during casting or applying post-spray painting, we achieve precise Pantone/RAL color matching - including semi-transparent and gradient effects.

 

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