I’ve been tempted to try pressure pots for casting to see if it helps with the bubbles and cleanup, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Tried the pressure pot route last year for some architectural models—definitely helped with bubbles, but I still ended up with a fair bit of waste, especially when mixing small batches. Injection molding’s waste is mostly in the sprues and runners, but at least it’s predictable. With casting, I always seem to overmix “just in case,” and that adds up, especially with those pricier resins. Still, for one-offs or small runs, casting feels less intimidating on the wallet.
CASTING VS INJECTION MOLDING—WHICH METHOD WORKS BETTER?
I hear you about the waste with casting. I’ve done a handful of site model pieces and always end up with that little cup of leftover resin, no matter how carefully I measure. It’s like my brain refuses to trust the math. Pressure pots did save me from a lot of bubble headaches, though—especially with detailed facades.
Honestly, injection molding makes sense for big runs, but the upfront cost for molds is a dealbreaker for most of my projects. Casting feels more forgiving when I’m experimenting or need just a few prototypes. I’ve even reused some of the “waste” bits as filler in rougher models, so it doesn’t sting as much.
If only there was a way to predict exactly how much resin you’ll need every time... until then, I guess a little waste is just part of the creative process.
If only there was a way to predict exactly how much resin you’ll need every time... until then, I guess a little waste is just part of the creative process.
Totally get this. I always end up with that “mystery blob” of extra resin too, no matter how many times I double-check the math. Honestly, I think your approach—using the leftovers as filler—is pretty clever. Sometimes the little imperfections or waste bits end up adding character, you know? And yeah, casting just feels more flexible when you’re still figuring things out.
Sometimes the little imperfections or waste bits end up adding character, you know?
That’s such a good point. I swear, some of my favorite accent pieces around the house have those weird little quirks from leftover resin or an “oops” moment during casting. It’s like, you plan for everything to be perfect and then the happy accidents end up being the real conversation starters.
I keep hearing people say injection molding is way more precise, especially for big batches, but honestly, I feel like it takes some of the fun out of it. With casting, there’s room to experiment, and if you mess up, sometimes you get something even cooler than what you planned. The downside, of course, is that pesky leftover resin. I’ve started keeping a little silicone mold on the side just for the extra—I’ve got a growing collection of random resin pebbles now. Not sure what to do with them, but they’re kind of satisfying to look at.
Has anyone here actually tried both methods? I’ve only done casting, but I’m curious if injection molding really cuts down on the waste as much as people say. Or does it just create different kinds of problems? I can’t imagine it’s totally mess-free, especially if you’re switching colors or materials a lot.
Also, for anyone who’s used both, do you find the overall look or “feel” of the pieces changes much between the two? Like, does injection molding make things look too perfect or sterile? I’m all about those organic, one-of-a-kind vibes, but maybe I’m just stuck in my ways.
CASTING VS INJECTION MOLDING—WHICH METHOD WORKS BETTER?
I’ve dabbled in both, and honestly, you’re spot on about injection molding being super precise. It’s almost too perfect sometimes—like, everything comes out looking identical, which is great if you want that “store-bought” vibe. But for me, it does lose a bit of that handmade charm. I totally get what you mean about the organic feel from casting.
As for waste, injection molding does cut down on leftover material, but it’s not totally mess-free. There’s still some purging when you switch colors or materials, and cleaning out the machine can be a pain. Plus, if you’re not running big batches, it feels like overkill.
I actually keep a little bowl of resin “blobs” from casting too... they’re weirdly satisfying to fiddle with. Sometimes I use them as paperweights or just scatter them around as little art pieces. Maybe that’s just me being sentimental about my mistakes.
If you love those one-of-a-kind quirks, casting’s hard to beat. Injection molding is more about efficiency and uniformity—great for mass production but maybe not as much fun if you’re into experimenting.
