Not every prototype needs a production mold. We help you choose between four prototyping methods — SLA/DLP printing, vacuum casting, aluminum-tool LSR and steel-tool LSR — so you spend only what your stage requires.
The right choice depends on what you need to verify — form, feel, function or full production material. The table below compares the key factors.
| Factor | SLA / DLP Printing | Vacuum Casting | Aluminum-Tool LSR | Steel-Tool LSR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lead time | 1–3 days | 3–7 days | 7–15 days | 15–30 days |
| Typical quantity | 1–10 pieces | 10–50 pieces | 100–1,000 pieces | 1,000+ pieces |
| Real silicone material? | No — plastic resin | Yes — cast silicone | Yes — LSR | Yes — LSR / solid silicone |
| Tolerance range | ±0.1–0.2 mm (print) | ±0.1–0.3 mm | ±0.1–0.3 mm | ±0.05–0.1 mm (repeatable) |
| Best for | Form, fit and design review | Functional silicone samples, low-volume trials | Pilot runs and market validation | High-volume production |
How to read the lead times: they start from final drawing and DFM approval, and cover tooling plus first samples. The 7–15 day figure applies to a single-cavity or fast aluminum tool; the 15–30 day figure applies to a steel multi-cavity production mold. So "custom-mold samples in 7–15 days" and "steel production mold in 15–30 days" are the same schedule viewed at two stages of tooling, not a contradiction — the mold type determines which figure applies. The tolerance row shows finished-part tolerance per method, not mold-cavity or instrument accuracy. Tolerances and timelines are confirmed for each part during DFM review. See our mold making, DFM tolerance guide and product development pages for the full path.
The fastest and cheapest way to check geometry. A resin print gives you a physical part to review form, fit and ergonomics — but it is a plastic resin, not production silicone, so it is not used for functional or compliance testing.
Produces genuine silicone parts in small quantities without tooling. Ideal when you need a handful of functional samples to test feel, durometer and basic performance before committing to a mold.
A fast-turn aluminum mold runs real LSR for pilot batches of a few hundred to a thousand parts. The perfect bridge between prototype and production — real material, real process, lower tooling cost than steel.
The production workhorse. Precision steel tooling delivers repeatable tolerances and long life for high-volume runs. Choose steel once geometry and material are validated to lock in cost and quality at scale.
Send your drawing, sample or idea — our engineers will recommend the right prototyping route and return a DFM review within 24 hours.
Get a Prototyping Recommendation