Silicone tools, or vacuum molding as it is also called, is a cost-effective manufacturing method for parts in series up to 25 units.
In around two work weeks you can produce parts in production-like materials and colors. The material in the parts is polyurethane that can be given qualities similar to ABS, PC/ABS and PC.
The process begins with a master that is created, usually through free form modeling. The part is trimmed and surfaced to the desired finish for the end product. The master is then molded in a silicone block. When the block has hardened it is split and the master is taken out. The form is now ready for molding, which is done under vacuum.
