Prototype viewers
Visors to check the shape and visibility of a product.
Vacuum casting · Custom parts
Vacuum casting
of rigid transparent PU.
Transparency to validate a product before manufacturing it in series. We reproduce visors and housings in rigid transparent PU using silicone molds.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- Manufacturing
- Pre-production runs in silicone molds
- Delivery from
- 10 working days
- Material
- PU Vacuum casting
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of rigid transparent PU.
Casting polyurethane for transparent pre-production runs and visual validation. Clarity depends on the polyurethane resin, the mold, the thickness, and the absence of bubbles.
Rigid transparent casting polyurethane allows obtaining several parts from a master pattern. Clarity depends on the polyurethane resin, mold quality, thickness, and bubble control. The master pattern finish conditions the pre-production result.
Learn about the vacuum casting process ↗Rigid transparent PU properties
Reference · PX521-HT, cured material
- Density · cured material
- 1,06 g/cm³
- Tensile strength
- 75 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,1 GPa
- Hardness
- 87 Shore D
- Presentation
- Transparent polyurethane
Typical values of PX521-HT after curing. Transparency and UV behavior depend on thickness, mold, and curing. Confirm the selected polyurethane resin for your part.
Material datasheets
- Transparent
- Reproduces mold detail
- Product appearance
- Optical finish according to mold and polyurethane resin
Applications of rigid transparent PU
Diffusers
Diffusers and lighting demonstration parts.
Transparent pre-production housings
Transparent housings that reveal the interior of a prototype.
Aesthetic prototypes
Aesthetic pre-production runs with mold detail and finish.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose rigid transparent PU
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Clarity and thickness
Define the viewing surfaces. A greater thickness may alter the appearance of transparency.
02
Pattern and mold
The texture and polish of the pattern are transferred to the mold. The optical result must be prepared from that step.
03
Environment and aging
Confirm temperature and UV exposure for the polyurethane resin. Not all transparent PUs age in the same way.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of rigid transparent PU.
Material and process define the surface. These are the key factors for specifying your part's appearance.
Casting finish
The surface reproduces the mold finish. Polyurethane resin, the pattern, and curing determine the final appearance.
Texture and appearance
Indicate visible faces and pattern finish. Mold texture and wall thickness influence part appearance.
Your part requirements
Include the expected appearance and usage conditions in your request to confirm the quote.
04 / From design to quote
Vacuum casting
of rigid transparent PU.
Rigid transparent PU manufacturing begins with a pattern that defines the shape and texture. From it, the silicone mold is prepared, vacuum casting is performed, and the polyurethane resin is cured before extracting and finishing the part.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
Polyurethane resin, the pattern, the mold, and shrinkage during curing influence the dimensions. Attach functional dimensions to confirm feasibility; CNC machining tolerances should not be transferred directly.
Runs and molds
The pattern and mold are distributed among the pre-production parts. Geometry, polyurethane resin, and mold life condition the quantity and cost.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 10 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in rigid transparent PU.
The price of a rigid transparent PU part includes pattern preparation, the mold, the polyurethane resin, and casting. Quantity and finishes determine how the pre-production cost is distributed.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in rigid transparent PU.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is rigid transparent PU and what properties does it have?
Casting polyurethane for transparent pre-production runs and visual validation. Clarity depends on the polyurethane resin, the mold, the thickness, and the absence of bubbles. Typical PX521-HT values after curing. Transparency and UV behavior depend on thickness, the mold, and curing. Confirm the selected polyurethane resin for your part.
What parts can be manufactured in rigid transparent PU?
You can manufacture prototype visors, diffusers, transparent pre-production housings, and aesthetic prototypes. Vacuum casting in silicone molds allows repeating shapes and textures for a pre-production run. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.
How are rigid transparent PU parts made via vacuum casting?
A master pattern is prepared, a silicone mold is manufactured, and polyurethane resin is introduced under controlled conditions. The quality of the pattern, mold, and curing process influences clarity. The process allows for repeating parts for a pre-production run.
Vacuum cast transparent PU, machined PMMA, or machined polycarbonate?
Vacuum casting of PU may be of interest for multiple units with repeated shape and appearance. PMMA and polycarbonate are machined from semi-finished blanks. Compare quantity, impact, temperature, and visual quality; the properties of these families are not equivalent.
Does rigid transparent PU always maintain its clarity outdoors?
It is not guaranteed for the entire family. UV radiation, heat, thickness, and formulation can affect aging and color. Indicate outdoor use to evaluate an appropriate polyurethane resin and validate the expected result.
How much does it cost to vacuum cast a rigid transparent PU part?
The cost of a rigid transparent PU part includes pattern preparation, the mold, polyurethane resin, and casting. Quantity and finishes determine how the pre-production cost is distributed. Upload your 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a rigid transparent PU part?
Polyurethane resin, the pattern, the mold, and shrinkage during curing influence the dimensions. Attach functional dimensions to confirm feasibility; CNC machining tolerances should not be transferred directly.
What file do I need to manufacture a rigid transparent PU part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in rigid transparent PU.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.