Glad to see someone else giving vacuum casting a shot. I've used it for a few smaller projects around the house, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. Sure, injection molding might be tougher in theory, but unless you're building something industrial-strength, the cost difference just isn't worth it. Plus, kids will find a way to break anything eventually... trust me, I've got the cracked patio lanterns to prove it.
"Sure, injection molding might be tougher in theory, but unless you're building something industrial-strength, the cost difference just isn't worth it."
Totally agree on the cost factor, but I'd add that vacuum casting can actually be pretty durable if you prep right. I've been experimenting with it for custom cabinet handles—first home means lots of DIY—and here's what I've found works best:
1. Use a high-quality silicone mold; cheap molds warp quickly.
2. Don't rush curing (learned this the hard way... patience is key).
3. Reinforce stress areas slightly thicker.
Still, kids are like tiny product testers... nothing's ever truly safe around them, lol.
Use a high-quality silicone mold; cheap molds warp quickly.
Vacuum casting can definitely hold up better than people give it credit for. I redid some drawer pulls in my workshop last year using a similar method, and they're still going strong despite daily abuse. Agree completely about patience during curing—rushing it just leads to brittle parts. But honestly, if you're making something that'll see heavy-duty use (like garage tools or outdoor gear), injection molding's durability is hard to beat, even with the extra cost.
I've used both vacuum casting and injection molding for various interior hardware projects, and honestly, each has its place. Vacuum casting is great when you're prototyping or doing small batches—like custom handles or decorative elements. I once made some resin cabinet knobs using silicone molds, and they turned out beautifully. But yeah, patience is key—rush the curing and you'll regret it later with cracks or brittleness.
Injection molding, on the other hand, is unbeatable if you're aiming for consistency and durability over large quantities. Especially true for items that get constant use, like kitchen drawer pulls or bathroom fixtures. The upfront cost can sting a bit, but in the long run, it pays off in fewer replacements and less hassle.
For one-off or limited-run decorative pieces, vacuum casting is usually enough. But if it's something you don't want to worry about replacing anytime soon... injection molding's probably your best bet.
Interesting points here, but I'm wondering if you've considered durability from another angle. I get that injection molding is often recommended for high-use items, but I've seen some pretty impressive durability from vacuum-cast resin pieces too. A friend of mine made custom resin handles for her kitchen cabinets—they've held up surprisingly well over the past few years, even with daily use and kids constantly tugging on them.
Maybe it depends more on the resin type or curing process rather than just the casting method itself? Also curious about the environmental side—doesn't injection molding usually involve more waste or higher energy consumption because of machinery and setup? I'm still learning about all this (first-time homeowner here), so maybe someone can clarify if that's actually a significant difference or just minor details...
