Pre-production housings
Pre-production housings with the product's texture, color and details.
Vacuum casting · Custom parts
Vacuum casting
of rigid PU.
Product appearance, repeated in a pre-production run. We manufacture rigid polyurethane housings and parts via vacuum casting in 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 PU.
Polyurethane cast in a silicone mold to reproduce shapes, textures, and details of a pre-production run. The polyurethane resin is selected based on the desired behavior and appearance.
The rigid PU in this datasheet is a polyurethane resin for vacuum casting to reproduce parts from a master pattern and a silicone mold. It is not thermal insulation foam. The process allows transferring details and textures to a series of product-like prototypes.
Learn about the vacuum casting process ↗Rigid PU Properties
Reference · Hei-Cast 8263, cured material
- Density · cured material
- 1.30 g/cm³
- Tensile strength
- 68 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,2 GPa
- Hardness
- 83 Shore D
- HDT · 1,80 MPa
- 80 °C
- Presentation
- Casting polyurethane
Typical values for Hei-Cast 8263 cured according to its datasheet. Density corresponds to the cured part, not the liquid components. HDT at 1,80 MPa; it is not a continuous use temperature. Other formulations and curing conditions change the properties.
Material datasheets
- Reproduces mold detail
- Product appearance
- Color according to formulation
- Compatible with painting
Rigid PU Applications
Validation models
Models to validate form, assembly, and appearance.
Accessories
Rigid accessories reproduced from a pattern.
Product prototypes
Prototypes for presentation and usage testing according to polyurethane.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose rigid PU
according to your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Polyurethane behavior
Select the formulation based on stiffness, impact resistance, and temperature. There is no single strength suitable for all rigid PU materials.
02
Texture and color
The pattern, mold, and finish define the appearance. You can request pigmentation or compatible painting.
03
Quantity of parts
The pattern and mold are distributed among the units of the pre-production run. The mold life depends on the part and the polyurethane resin.
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 PU.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
The surface reproduces the mold finish. Polyurethane resin, the pattern, and curing determine the final appearance.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
Vacuum casting
of rigid PU.
Rigid PU manufacturing starts 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
Price of your part
in rigid PU.
The price of a rigid PU part includes pattern preparation, the mold, the polyurethane resin, and casting. Quantity and finishes determine how the cost of the pre-production run 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 PU.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is rigid PU and what properties does it have?
Silicone-molded polyurethane to reproduce shapes, textures, and details of a pre-production run. The polyurethane resin is selected based on the desired behavior and appearance. Typical values for Hei-Cast 8263 cured according to its datasheet. Density corresponds to the cured part, not the liquid components. HDT at 1,80 MPa; it is not a continuous use temperature. Other formulations and curing conditions change the properties.
What parts can be manufactured in rigid PU?
You can manufacture pre-production housings, validation models, accessories, product prototypes. Vacuum casting in silicone molds allows repeating shapes and textures for a pre-production run. Define loads, environment, and finish so we can review the application.
Is cast rigid PU a polyurethane foam?
No. This datasheet corresponds to polyurethane resins for pre-production parts obtained via vacuum casting. They are not thermal insulation panels or foams. The formulation is selected based on the behavior and appearance required by the part.
Can rigid PU housings made in silicone molds be painted?
Yes, with a paint and preparation compatible with the polyurethane resin. You can define color and matte, satin, or glossy finish. For multi-unit runs, it is an alternative to machined ABS; the paint must be specified in the quote request.
When is a rigid PU pre-production run preferable to machined ABS?
When you need to replicate multiple parts with detail, texture, and product appearance. In casting, the costs of the pattern and mold are distributed across the run. Machined ABS may fit better for a few units; also compare the required properties.
How much does it cost to cast a rigid PU part?
The price of a rigid PU part includes master pattern preparation, the silicone mold, polyurethane resin, and vacuum 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 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 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 PU.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.