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Prototype parts molded by Nuhill are often indistinguishable from injection molded parts. In fact, many companies routinely use molded prototype parts to evaluate part and assembly designs. Some companies have prepared for production using prototype parts from Nuhill Technologies. Nuhill's molded parts are very close to your production parts in size and appearance. Many of our customers have said that, during the late stages of pre-production planning and testing, there is no substitute for our molded prototypes.

Introduction to Urethane Molding

Molded polyurethane prototypes are usually available in less than two weeks, once Nuhill receives your data file. This lead-time includes the SLA pattern fabrication, the mold construction, and the casting time. Very large or very complex parts might take a little longer, but not much.

Nuhill routinely makes parts that are too complex or too large for simple protoype molding operations. The resins used by Nuhill have widely ranging characteristics: from flexible to rigid and from clear to opaque. Nuhill mixes color pigments into the molding resin so your part has a uniform color throughout.

Nuhill starts with a pattern, usually an SLA pattern made from your data file. The pattern is sanded, bead blasted, primed, and polished to create a faithful physical replica of your part. Nuhill's team mounts the pattern in a mold frame and parting lines are established. We use RTV silicone rubber to create the first part of the mold. After additional preparation, we use more silicone to complete the mold. Once the mold is completed, Nuhill's team removes the pattern from the mold and injects liquid resin into the mold cavity. Finally, the resin in the mold is cured under pressure and then the part is removed, trimmed, and is ready for your use.