Casting and molding are manufacturing processes typically used to produce larger quantities of finished products. Casting involves pouring liquid material, like metal, plastic, or glass, into a mold, where it solidifies into the mold’s shape.

Meanwhile, molding typically uses a solid material that is heated and then shaped in a mold, which is often used for plastics and composites. Both processes are crucial for creating a wide range of products, from intricate components used in machinery to everyday items like plastic bottles and metal tools, offering flexibility in design and material choice.

Because both casting and molding technologies require to first manufacture a mold, these technologies are often more expensive than 3D printing when quantities are low. However, molding and casting is often the faster and more economical choice for larger volumes.

The main casting and molding techniques include:

• Vacuum casting: is a precision technique where a liquid material is drawn into a mold using a vacuum, ideal for producing small to medium quantities of high-quality, detailed parts.
• Die casting: involves forcing molten metal under high pressure into mold cavities, commonly used for producing large volumes of complex metal parts with excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Injection molding: is a process where melted plastic (or, in some cases, metal) is injected into a mold, solidifying it into the desired shape. It is ideal for mass-producing identical plastic parts with high precision.
• Compression molding: involves shaping material, often thermoset plastics or rubber, by heating and pressing it into the mold, making it ideal for large-scale production of durable, detailed parts like automotive components.

Each technique offers distinct advantages catering to varied manufacturing objectives.