Dive Deep into Vacuum Casting — An Ideal Solution for Volume Production

Dive Deep into Vacuum Casting — An Ideal Solution for Volume Production

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that most of our stories focus on 3D printing. This month, however, we’re highlighting something a little different. Read on to discover the many benefits of vacuum casting, get the latest Design & Engineering tip, explore some helpful training opportunities, and find out where we’ll be in the coming months. 


The front of a red vacuum-cast housing in front of the backside of the same part

Celebrating Vacuum Casting: Bridging the Gap Between Prototyping and Full-Scale Production 

Having recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of our operations in the Czech Republic, there’s no better time to shine a light on what our team there has to offer — especially when it comes to vacuum casting. 

Read the article >


One black and one purple part from Airinspace’s RHEA Cubair dry-mist disinfection system, both produced through vacuum casting.

Medtech’s Ideal Solution for Volume Production 

Vacuum casting has a lot to offer the medtech industry: design flexibility, affordability, and a short time-to-market. Discover how you can take advantage of this technology to innovate quickly and react to urgent increases in demand. 

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A metal 3D-printed lamination tool

Self-Supporting Features for Metal 3D Printing 

When designing for selective laser melting (SLM), utilizing self-supporting geometries can optimize your build efficiency and part integrity. Features like teardrop-shaped holes and arch-based structures help reduce the need for additional support, particularly in areas prone to overhangs.  

Teardrop holes maintain a constant angle that avoids the need for support below the feature, while arches distribute thermal stresses evenly during the build, minimizing warping and shrink lines. By incorporating these geometries, you can improve the manufacturability of your parts, reduce post-processing, and enhance structural performance. 

Want to see the theory in action? This reimagined industrial tool is a great example of what you can achieve by optimizing your design for metal 3D printing. 

Read the case study >   


A close-up, detailed image of the HOYA Vision Simulator

3D Printing and Vacuum Casting — How Does it Work?  

If you need an alternative to 3D printing for the small series production of functional plastic parts, high-quality prototypes, or end-use parts, it’s hard to look past vacuum casting. Get a closer look at what this cross-industry go-to offers. 

Watch the video >


Three variations of the same metal gripper, one designed for conventional manufacturing, one sleeker one designed to be printed, and one even sleeker one with a design optimized for additive manufacturing

Design for Additive Manufacturing: Explore the Knowledge Hub 

To harness all of 3D printing’s advantages, you need to design your part for the technology. Unlock your applications’ maximum potential with our design for additive manufacturing resources, available here on demand.  

Explore the knowledge hub >


Blue background with the text "Make a difference"

Meet Materialise at Formnext: Your Additive Manufacturing Partner 

As your additive manufacturing partner from plan to production, we’re here to help you make a difference in your business. Schedule a meeting to explore our proven manufacturing services and learn how you can make the most of all AM has to offer. 

Request a meeting >


A man's hands holding a black plastic 3D-printed part.

More than Just a Prototype? When 3D Printing is Right for End-Use Parts  

3D printing has always been seen as an ideal prototyping method, but it’s so much more than that — it’s also a great option for volume production. Is it the right choice for your project? Ask us for a free part assessment, or ask yourself these five questions before you start

Talk to our team >   


MMI's 3D-printed modular training board for surgeons

MMI Uses Modular AM-Inspired Surgeon Training Board for Robotic Microsurgeries 

How does MMI - Medical Microinstruments, Inc. , a medtech company specializing in robotic microsurgery equipment, help surgeons train with its Symani Surgical System? With experience in using AM to create single-use instruments, MMI chose it to transform a rigid exercise board into a modular, integrated 3D-printed solution. 

Read the case study > 



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