Acrylic (PMMA) effect resin is often used in vacuum casting to achieve "high light transmittance/high gloss" appearance prototypes and small batch parts.
Quote checklist: Upload your 3D model and, when available, a 2D drawing. Identify the required process, material, quantity, critical dimensions, finish, appearance standard, and target delivery date.
Engineering note: Values below are typical reference ranges. Final manufacturability, tolerances, material condition, surface finish, cost, and lead time depend on the drawing, geometry, quantity, and selected process.
Upload CAD files and mark critical features for an engineering review before production.
| Process | Vacuum casting (silicone mold, small batch replication) |
|---|---|
| Material | PMMA (acrylic) simulated transparent system (centered on appearance and light transmission performance) |
| Color | Transparent/natural color (can achieve fully transparent, semi-transparent or matte effect according to the target; subject to engineering evaluation) |
| Dimensional tolerance | Conventional ±0.20–0.30 mm or ±0.30% (whichever is greater); it is recommended to mark tolerances on critical mating surfaces and make targeted assessments |
| Minimum wall thickness | Recommended ≥1.0–1.5 mm; it is recommended to appropriately thicken or reinforce large-area transparent surfaces to reduce the risk of deformation and ripples |
| Minimum aperture | Recommended ≥1.5–2.0 mm; it is recommended to reserve a margin for assembly holes/fitting holes and repair the holes twice. |
| Key points for transparent appearance | Transparent parts are more sensitive to parting lines, gate positions and exhaust; it is recommended to define the display surface in advance and give priority to avoiding key surface wiring and gates. |
| Surface quality | Can achieve a finish close to the appearance of injection molding (affected by the quality of the master mold and the condition of the mold); the transparent edge can be further improved by polishing |
| Finishing | Grinding, screen printing, laser engraving, polishing (transparent edge) |
| Typical lead time | Related to size, quantity, quantity of silicone molds and finishing; clear delivery and expedited options will be given after uploading the file |
| Adaptation quantity | Often used for small batch (multiple pieces) reproduction; silicone molds have a lifespan, and the larger the batch, the more recommended it is to divide into multiple sets of molds or evaluate the injection molding route. |
Transparent parts are more sensitive to parting lines, gate trimming and small scratches; it is recommended to specify the display surface in the remarks, and we will polish and trim it according to appearance standards.
Suitable for logos, scales and function marks; it is recommended to provide vector files (AI/PDF/SVG) and location and size requirements to avoid blocking key light-transmitting areas.
Suitable for serial numbers, QR codes, and simple graphics and text; laser engraving of transparent parts will produce local fogging/contrast changes. It is recommended to confirm the presentation effect and position first.
It is used to improve the translucency of edges and the consistency of look and feel. It is commonly used in transparent covers/windows. It is recommended to choose this option for projects with high appearance requirements to enhance the finished product.
For transparent/high-gloss display needs, it can be used for appearance verification and review of visible windows, lampshades and transparent covers.
Multiple pieces can be copied without opening steel molds, which is suitable for small batch trial production, project phase review and multiple rounds of iterations.
Supports grinding and polishing (transparent edge), which can significantly improve the consistency of the transparent edge and the overall look and feel.
Supports screen printing and laser engraving, which facilitates the presentation of information such as scales, logos, and identification codes.
Acrylic (PMMA) prefers "transparent appearance first" and is often used for:
A highly transparent appearance can be achieved, but transparent parts are more affected by structure and process:
It is recommended to provide target renderings or reference samples, and we will select a more suitable transparent system and finishing solution based on the target.
Please refer to the recommended range on this page:
If there is critical fit and positioning, please provide 2D annotations (PDF/DWG) and mark the critical dimensions and datums.
It is recommended to provide:
For transparent parts, it is recommended to additionally note the display surface, allowable trace standards and transparency target (fully transparent/semi-transparent/matte).
PMMA (vacuum-cast parts) finishing is based on the source data and supports: grinding, screen printing, laser engraving, and polishing (transparent edge).
If you are pursuing a more "finished" transparent appearance, it is usually recommended to: clarify the display surface → select the polishing standard → choose polishing (transparent edge) when a translucent edge is required.
Transparent parts are more likely to expose details, which commonly include: parting line marks, gate trimming marks, slight air inclusion/flow marks, and fine scratches.
Suitable for assembly review and interference inspection. Recommendations for mating holes/locating holes:
