Strengths & Benefits
High-Quality Surface Finish
Produces smooth, detailed surfaces that often require little or no post-processing.
Excellent Detail Reproduction
Accurately replicates the master model, capturing fine features and textures.
Wide Range of Materials
Supports various polyurethane resins that mimic the properties of ABS, rubber, PP, etc.
Short Lead Times
Faster than injection molding for small batches, especially in prototyping or pre-production.
Low Tooling Costs
Silicone molds are cheaper and quicker to produce than metal molds used in injection molding.
Color and Transparency Options
Allows for pigmented, clear, or tinted parts without secondary finishing.
Limitations & Challenges
Limited Mold Life
Silicone molds typically last for only 15–25 parts, depending on complexity and resin type.
Size Limitations
Not ideal for very large parts due to mold and chamber size restrictions.
Manual Labor Intensive
Requires skilled technicians for mold creation, casting, and finishing—limiting scalability.
Material Limitations
Limited to polyurethane-based materials, which may not meet all engineering or regulatory standards.
Shrinkage and Warping
Parts may shrink or deform slightly during curing, especially if the mold isn’t properly designed.
Not for Mass Production
Unsuitable for high-volume manufacturing due to mold wear and slower production speed compared to injection molding.
