Which process suits my quantity?

Whether casting, vacuum casting or milling from solid is the best fit depends mainly on material, quantity and the later series process. This overview helps with a first assessment. Prices are rough, non-binding guide values (typical unit price, net, as of 10/2026) – when you enquire, we compare the processes for your specific part.

Overview of SMP prototyping technologies

Aluminium parts

  • 1–2 pieces: milling from solid (typically approx. 400 € per part) or sand casting with a printed sand mould – useful if the part will later be a casting.
  • 3–20 pieces: aluminium sand casting with pattern equipment (typically approx. 250 € per part incl. machining, plus pattern) or milling (approx. 200 €).
  • 21–200 pieces: sand casting becomes increasingly worthwhile (typically approx. 200 € per part); small milled parts become economical with our robot cell (typically approx. 50 €).
  • Over 200 pieces: on request.
  • High volume: die casting at a series supplier – we supply the prototype and pre-series first.

More: Test your die-cast part · CNC machining

Plastic parts

  • 1–2 pieces: PU vacuum casting (typically approx. 200 € per part plus mould), milling from plastic or 3D printing via our partner network.
  • 3–20 pieces: PU vacuum casting – one silicone mould lasts for approx. 20–25 castings (typically approx. 100 € per part).
  • 21–200 pieces: PU vacuum casting with several moulds (typically approx. 50 € per part); in medical technology we also produce series parts of 30 to 50 sets per year this way.
  • High volume: injection moulding at a series supplier – we supply prototypes and test series first.

More: Test your injection-moulded part · PU vacuum casting

What matters when choosing

  • Later series process: if the part will be die-cast or injection-moulded, a cast prototype represents the later component best – geometry usually 1:1, properties matched to the series.
  • Material and properties: do strength, temperature or transparency matter?
  • Geometry: undercuts, thin walls and long flow paths influence process and price.
  • Deadline: typically 2.5 to 4.5 weeks; for express orders approx. 2 calendar weeks to the part.
  • Machining: we aim for 5-sided machining in a single clamping.

All guide values: Guide prices and enquiries

Frequently asked questions about choosing a process

Usually milling from solid or vacuum casting, because hardly any one-off costs arise. If the part will later be a casting, sand casting with a printed sand mould can also make sense. We compare the processes when you enquire.

The more parts, the more the one-off costs for pattern or mould are spread. Typical unit prices for aluminium sand casting: 1–2 pcs approx. 650 €, 3–20 pcs approx. 250 €, 21–200 pcs approx. 200 € – rough guide values. We are particularly economical for approx. 3 to 200 parts.

We produce prototypes, pre-series and small series, on request also over 100 pieces, and in vacuum casting even small runs such as 30 to 50 sets per year. High-volume die casting or injection moulding is taken over by series suppliers.

Use our contact page with the subject “Price estimate” and add the STEP or IGES files, material, quantity and deadline. We review the part, choose the right process and prepare a quotation.

How to reach your goal

Contact us via our contact page with the subject “Price estimate” and include STEP or IGES files, material, quantity and deadline – we will recommend the right process.

Ask which process suits my part