{"id":3449,"date":"2026-09-30T10:11:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/?p=3449"},"modified":"2026-09-30T10:17:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:17:06","slug":"transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC)"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-instagram wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/utelymachine\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12,4.622c2.403,0,2.688,0.009,3.637,0.052c0.877,0.04,1.354,0.187,1.671,0.31c0.42,0.163,0.72,0.358,1.035,0.673 c0.315,0.315,0.51,0.615,0.673,1.035c0.123,0.317,0.27,0.794,0.31,1.671c0.043,0.949,0.052,1.234,0.052,3.637 s-0.009,2.688-0.052,3.637c-0.04,0.877-0.187,1.354-0.31,1.671c-0.163,0.42-0.358,0.72-0.673,1.035 c-0.315,0.315-0.615,0.51-1.035,0.673c-0.317,0.123-0.794,0.27-1.671,0.31c-0.949,0.043-1.233,0.052-3.637,0.052 s-2.688-0.009-3.637-0.052c-0.877-0.04-1.354-0.187-1.671-0.31c-0.42-0.163-0.72-0.358-1.035-0.673 c-0.315-0.315-0.51-0.615-0.673-1.035c-0.123-0.317-0.27-0.794-0.31-1.671C4.631,14.688,4.622,14.403,4.622,12 s0.009-2.688,0.052-3.637c0.04-0.877,0.187-1.354,0.31-1.671c0.163-0.42,0.358-0.72,0.673-1.035 c0.315-0.315,0.615-0.51,1.035-0.673c0.317-0.123,0.794-0.27,1.671-0.31C9.312,4.631,9.597,4.622,12,4.622 M12,3 C9.556,3,9.249,3.01,8.289,3.054C7.331,3.098,6.677,3.25,6.105,3.472C5.513,3.702,5.011,4.01,4.511,4.511 c-0.5,0.5-0.808,1.002-1.038,1.594C3.25,6.677,3.098,7.331,3.054,8.289C3.01,9.249,3,9.556,3,12c0,2.444,0.01,2.751,0.054,3.711 c0.044,0.958,0.196,1.612,0.418,2.185c0.23,0.592,0.538,1.094,1.038,1.594c0.5,0.5,1.002,0.808,1.594,1.038 c0.572,0.222,1.227,0.375,2.185,0.418C9.249,20.99,9.556,21,12,21s2.751-0.01,3.711-0.054c0.958-0.044,1.612-0.196,2.185-0.418 c0.592-0.23,1.094-0.538,1.594-1.038c0.5-0.5,0.808-1.002,1.038-1.594c0.222-0.572,0.375-1.227,0.418-2.185 C20.99,14.751,21,14.444,21,12s-0.01-2.751-0.054-3.711c-0.044-0.958-0.196-1.612-0.418-2.185c-0.23-0.592-0.538-1.094-1.038-1.594 c-0.5-0.5-1.002-0.808-1.594-1.038c-0.572-0.222-1.227-0.375-2.185-0.418C14.751,3.01,14.444,3,12,3L12,3z M12,7.378 c-2.552,0-4.622,2.069-4.622,4.622S9.448,16.622,12,16.622s4.622-2.069,4.622-4.622S14.552,7.378,12,7.378z M12,15 c-1.657,0-3-1.343-3-3s1.343-3,3-3s3,1.343,3,3S13.657,15,12,15z M16.804,6.116c-0.596,0-1.08,0.484-1.08,1.08 s0.484,1.08,1.08,1.08c0.596,0,1.08-0.484,1.08-1.08S17.401,6.116,16.804,6.116z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studio.youtube.com\/video\/IIVYCBBLV5E\/edit\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-facebook wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61584402039139&#038;mibextid=wwXIfr&#038;mibextid=wwXIfr\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2C6.5 2 2 6.5 2 12c0 5 3.7 9.1 8.4 9.9v-7H7.9V12h2.5V9.8c0-2.5 1.5-3.9 3.8-3.9 1.1 0 2.2.2 2.2.2v2.5h-1.3c-1.2 0-1.6.8-1.6 1.6V12h2.8l-.4 2.9h-2.3v7C18.3 21.1 22 17 22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The flame polishing that makes acrylic glow will ruin polycarbonate \u2014 every clear material has its own finishing playbook.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-1024x564.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3456\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.8156381159645578;width:604px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-1024x564.png 1024w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-768x423.png 768w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-1536x845.png 1536w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cover-9-edited.png 1948w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Crystal-clear prototype parts: a light guide, lens covers, a display window and a fluid-sight manifold.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few prototyping jobs are as unforgiving as transparent parts. A light guide, lens cover, display window, or fluid-sight housing hides nothing: every bubble, scratch, and layer line scatters light and screams &#8220;prototype.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id3449_fc6ff4-9a .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id3449_fc6ff4-9a .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id3449_fc6ff4-9a .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id3449_fc6ff4-9a .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> In the silicone-mold vacuum casting ecosystem, three material routes dominate clear parts \u2014 clear photopolymer (SLA) resin, acrylic (PMMA), and polycarbonate (PC) \u2014 and each one plays a different role. Just as important, each demands a completely different post-processing playbook. This guide compares the three materials head-to-head, explains where vacuum casting fits, and details exactly how to finish each one to optical clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The Three Material Routes \u2014 and Where Vacuum Casting Fits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before comparing, one clarification saves a lot of confusion: these are not three interchangeable materials for the same machine. Clear photopolymer resin is printed on SLA\/MSLA 3D printers; it is both a direct part material (1\u20135 pieces, complex shapes) and \u2014 critically \u2014 the standard master pattern from which silicone molds are made for vacuum casting. Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) are genuine engineering thermoplastics, typically CNC machined from solid stock when you need 1\u201310 parts with real end-use material properties. Vacuum casting sits in the middle: it pours water-clear polyurethane (PU) resins \u2014 formulated to simulate PMMA or PC \u2014 into silicone molds, delivering 5\u201325 identical transparent parts with injection-mold-like surfaces, without cutting any tooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So a typical project flow looks like: SLA-print a polished master, cast 10\u201320 clear PU copies for user trials, then machine or mold PMMA\/PC for final validation. Knowing which route to use at which moment is the real skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Material Deep-Dive: Properties, Strengths, Weaknesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_a5db00-fa\"><strong>2.1 Clear Photopolymer Resin (SLA Printing)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"616\" src=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-1024x616.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3458\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-1024x616.png 1024w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-768x462.png 768w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-1536x924.png 1536w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/resin-edited.png 1915w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>A clear SLA part at the UV curing station \u2014 clarity is created in post-processing, not in the printer.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What it is: UV-cured liquid photopolymer, printed layer by layer at 25\u2013100 \u00b5m resolution. Straight off the printer, clear resin looks frosted \u2014 microscopic layer lines scatter light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Geometric freedom nothing else matches:<\/strong> internal light-guide channels, undercuts, integrated mounting features \u2014 printed in one piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highest detail resolution<\/strong> of the three routes; ideal for small, intricate optics-adjacent parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zero tooling, 1\u20133 day turnaround<\/strong> \u2014 the fastest route from CAD to a clear part in hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The universal master pattern<\/strong> for silicone molds: a well-polished SLA master reproduces its finish into every cast copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brittle<\/strong> \u2014 lower impact resistance than even PMMA; not for load-bearing transparent parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UV sensitivity:<\/strong> standard clear resins yellow with sunlight; UV-stable grades or topcoats are mandatory outdoors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Over-curing clouds the part:<\/strong> excessive post-cure degrades clarity instead of improving it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heat resistance<\/strong> typically only 50\u201370 \u00b0C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e66b2c-0a\"><strong>2.2 Acrylic (PMMA) \u2014 The Optical Benchmark<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-1024x620.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3461\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6516420970763954;width:587px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-1024x620.png 1024w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-768x465.png 768w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-1536x930.png 1536w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pmma-edited.png 1768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>Buffing a machined acrylic part: PMMA is the most polishable of all clear plastics.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What it is: polymethyl methacrylate \u2014 Plexiglas, Perspex \u2014 the optical-quality thermoplastic, CNC machined from cast or extruded stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best-in-class light transmission: ~92%<\/strong> \u2014 clearer than glass, with no blue tint even in thick sections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harder, more scratch-resistant surface<\/strong> than PC or resin; scratches can be polished out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Naturally UV-stable:<\/strong> essentially no yellowing for 25+ years outdoors \u2014 no coating required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The most polishable clear plastic:<\/strong> responds beautifully to sanding, buffing, and flame polishing; solvent bonding creates optically invisible joints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brittle:<\/strong> ~17\u00d7 the impact resistance of glass, but cracks rather than deforms under sharp impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heat limit ~70\u201380 \u00b0C<\/strong> continuous service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stress crazing<\/strong> if machined aggressively or polished without annealing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Machining only:<\/strong> internal closed channels are difficult or impossible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_885c85-3b\"><strong>2.3 Polycarbonate (PC) \u2014 The Tough One<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-1024x613.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3462\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6704805491990846;width:581px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-1024x613.png 1024w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-768x460.png 768w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-1536x920.png 1536w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pc-edited.png 1904w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Vapor polishing: the professional route to optical clarity on machined polycarbonate.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What it is: the transparent high-impact engineering plastic (Lexan, Makrolon), CNC machined from solid stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Extreme impact strength:<\/strong> up to 250\u00d7 glass, virtually shatterproof \u2014 the only real choice for protective covers, machine guards, and high-pressure sight glasses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best heat resistance of the three:<\/strong> continuous service to 115\u2013135 \u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Good light transmission<\/strong> at ~88\u201389%; tough and machinable \u2014 drills, mills, and cold-bends without cracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soft surface that scratches easily<\/strong> (HB\u20132H pencil hardness) \u2014 needs a hard coat for most real applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yellows under UV<\/strong> within 1\u20132 years outdoors unless UV-stabilized or coated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The hardest of the three to polish:<\/strong> mechanical buffing tends to haze it, and flame polishing discolors and distorts it \u2014 PC demands vapor polishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sensitive to stress-cracking<\/strong> from some solvents and cleaners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3958f1-92\"><strong>2.4 Clear Cast Polyurethane \u2014 The Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"616\" src=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-1024x616.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3464\" style=\"width:586px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-1024x616.png 1024w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-300x181.png 300w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-768x462.png 768w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-1536x924.png 1536w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png 1914w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Water-clear PU resin degassed under vacuum and poured into a silicone mold \u2014 5\u201325 identical clear parts per mold.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What it is: two-part water-clear PU (PMMA-like grades such as UPX5210, or PC-like grades), vacuum-degassed and poured into a silicone mold taken from a polished master. Each mold yields 15\u201325 parts; first articles in about 4\u20138 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5\u201325 identical clear parts<\/strong> with mold-replicated surface finish \u2014 no per-part machining cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Over 90% light transmission;<\/strong> PMMA-like and PC-like grades let you test the intended production material&#8217;s behavior before committing to it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Captures complex shapes<\/strong> from the master that machining cannot reach; UV-stabilized grades resist heat to ~100 \u00b0C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Still PU, not true PMMA\/PC:<\/strong> mechanical and thermal properties approach but don&#8217;t equal the production thermoplastics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Moisture is the enemy:<\/strong> humidity above ~50% causes haze, foam, and gloss loss; wooden or paper mixing tools can ruin a pour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yellowing risk<\/strong> without UV-stable grades or topcoats; mold life limits batches to ~25 parts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Head-to-Head: Material Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Property<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Clear SLA Resin<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Acrylic (PMMA)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Polycarbonate (PC)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Clear Cast PU<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Light transmission<\/td><td>~90% after polishing<\/td><td>~92% (best)<\/td><td>~88\u201389%<\/td><td>&gt;90%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Impact resistance<\/td><td>Low (brittle)<\/td><td>Moderate (brittle)<\/td><td>Extreme (250\u00d7 glass)<\/td><td>Moderate\u2013good<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heat resistance<\/td><td>~50\u201370 \u00b0C<\/td><td>~70\u201380 \u00b0C<\/td><td>~115\u2013135 \u00b0C<\/td><td>~70\u2013100 \u00b0C<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scratch resistance<\/td><td>Low\u2013moderate<\/td><td>High (polishable)<\/td><td>Low (needs hard coat)<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UV \/ yellowing<\/td><td>Yellows without UV grade or coat<\/td><td>Excellent \u2014 25+ yrs stable<\/td><td>Yellows in 1\u20132 yrs without coat<\/td><td>UV-stable grades available<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Geometry freedom<\/td><td>Excellent (printed)<\/td><td>Machining-limited<\/td><td>Machining-limited<\/td><td>Very good (mold-replicated)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Real production material?<\/td><td>No (photopolymer)<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Simulates PMMA\/PC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Typical batch size<\/td><td>1\u20135 (part or master)<\/td><td>1\u201310 machined<\/td><td>1\u201310 machined<\/td><td>5\u201325 per mold<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Typical lead time<\/td><td>1\u20133 days<\/td><td>3\u20137 days<\/td><td>3\u20137 days<\/td><td>4\u20138 days<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Post-Processing: Where Transparency Is Actually Made<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the section that separates parts that look like glass from parts that look like shampoo bottles. Each material has its own finishing chemistry \u2014 and using the wrong one destroys parts.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_e14395-c0\"><strong>4.1 Clear SLA Resin: Sand, Coat, Cure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash uncured resin off with isopropyl alcohol (IPA); dry completely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UV post-cure \u2014 carefully: enough to fully harden, but overexposure causes cloudiness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wet-sand progressively: 400 \u2192 800 \u2192 1200 \u2192 2000+ grit, cleaning between steps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Polish with plastic polishing compound and a microfiber or buffing wheel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restore full clarity with a clear coat: dip or spray a thin layer of clear UV resin or acrylic clear coat; curing under nitrogen eliminates surface tack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For outdoor use, choose a UV-resistant topcoat to delay yellowing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_34158c-7d\"><strong>4.2 Acrylic (PMMA): The Polishable One<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anneal first if the part was machined \u2014 heat-treating relieves internal stress and prevents crazing cracks during polishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wet-sand progressively: 800 \u2192 1000 \u2192 1500 \u2192 2000 grit (keep it wet to avoid heat).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buff with plastic-specific compound on a low-speed wheel for a true mirror finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flame polishing is allowed (uniquely, among these three): a quick flame pass melts the surface skin optically smooth \u2014 ideal for edges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solvent bonding with dichloromethane for invisible joints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_dc829f-4a\"><strong>4.3 Polycarbonate (PC): Vapor or Nothing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Never flame-polish PC \u2014 it yellows, whitens, and distorts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid aggressive dry buffing \u2014 PC softens with friction heat and hazes; if mechanical polishing is used, keep speeds low, coolants on, and pressure minimal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vapor polishing is the professional route: the part is suspended in a chamber of vaporized solvent (dichloromethane or similar), which reflows a micron-thin surface layer to optical smoothness \u2014 a VOC process requiring a sealed chamber, fume extraction, and PPE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply a hard coat for real-world use: silicone or acrylic hardcoats lift scratch resistance from HB\u20132H to 4H+ while preserving impact strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specify UV-stabilized grades or UV topcoats for anything outdoors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3449_3b32f8-a6\"><strong>4.4 Clear Cast PU: Gentle Abrasion + Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Demold gently \u2014 fresh PU scratches easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fine wet-sanding (1200\u20132000 grit) only where needed; the mold surface usually dictates the finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic polish or micro-abrasive compounds restore gloss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UV-stable clear topcoat if the resin grade isn&#8217;t inherently UV-resistant \u2014 this single step decides whether the part stays water-clear or turns amber in a year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Post-Processing Cheat Sheet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Method<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SLA Resin<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>PMMA<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>PC<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Clear Cast PU<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wet sanding + buffing<\/td><td>Essential<\/td><td>Excellent results<\/td><td>Difficult \u2014 hazes easily<\/td><td>Light touch only<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flame polishing<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes (edges)<\/td><td>Never<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vapor polishing<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Possible<\/td><td>Best method<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Clear coat \/ resin dip<\/td><td>Standard clarity step<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><td>Recommended<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hard coat (scratch)<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><td>Rarely needed<\/td><td>Often required<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UV-protective topcoat<\/td><td>Strongly advised<\/td><td>Not needed<\/td><td>Outdoor parts<\/td><td>If not UV-grade<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Which Route for Your Part?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Need it in 48 hours, complex internal geometry, 1\u20133 pieces?<\/strong> Clear SLA resin, sanded and clear-coated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need the best possible optics, outdoor durability, or lens-grade finish?<\/strong> Machined PMMA, annealed and buffed (or cast PMMA-like PU for 10+ identical pieces).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need it to survive impact, heat, or pressure?<\/strong> Machined PC, vapor-polished and hard-coated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need 5\u201325 identical clear parts for user trials or demos?<\/strong> Vacuum casting in clear PMMA-like or PC-like PU \u2014 the sweet spot between a single prototype and production tooling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Volume beyond ~100 pieces?<\/strong> Time to quote injection molding in true optical PMMA or PC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Clear Parts, Made Right the First Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Utely Machine, transparent parts are a daily routine, not an experiment: SLA clear printing, PMMA\/PC precision machining, and clear vacuum casting all under one roof \u2014 with the correct finishing line for each material, from vapor polishing to hard coating. Upload your STEP file for a free DFM review and 24-hour quotation, and tell us what your clear part needs to survive \u2014 we&#8217;ll match the material and the finish to the job. Visit us at www.utelymachine.com.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The flame polishing that makes acrylic glow will ruin polycarbonate \u2014 every clear material has its own finishing playbook. Crystal-clear prototype parts: a light guide, lens covers, a display window and a fluid-sight manifold. Few prototyping jobs are as unforgiving as transparent parts. A light guide, lens cover, display window, or fluid-sight housing hides nothing:&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3464,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,28,31,29,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3449","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-3d-printing-services","category-cnc-machining","category-injection-molding","category-surface-finishing","category-vacuum-casting"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The flame polishing that makes acrylic glow will ruin polycarbonate \u2014 every clear material has its own finishing playbook. Crystal-clear prototype parts: a light guide, lens covers, a display window and a fluid-sight manifold. Few prototyping jobs are as unforgiving as transparent parts. A light guide, lens cover, display window, or fluid-sight housing hides nothing:...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Utelymachine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61584809600185\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-1024x616.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"616\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"utelymachine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@utelymachine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@utelymachine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Escrito por\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"utelymachine\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Tiempo de lectura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"utelymachine\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b91a4a0e58478d718c66301dfdb4799e\"},\"headline\":\"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\"},\"wordCount\":1594,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"3D Printing Services\",\"CNC Machining\",\"Injection Molding\",\"Surface Finishing\",\"Vacuum Casting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\",\"name\":\"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png\",\"width\":1914,\"height\":1152},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/\",\"name\":\"Utelymachine\",\"description\":\"CNC Machining Services China | Rapid Prototyping - Utely\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"Utely\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Chongqing Utely Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-\u516c\u53f8.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-\u516c\u53f8.png\",\"width\":586,\"height\":229,\"caption\":\"Chongqing Utely Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61584809600185\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/utelymachine\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b91a4a0e58478d718c66301dfdb4799e\",\"name\":\"utelymachine\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8431e6023bb4d3df45e748bcd9667a5d5741311da512b102dfc672f7cdaf9da7?s=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8431e6023bb4d3df45e748bcd9667a5d5741311da512b102dfc672f7cdaf9da7?s=96\",\"caption\":\"utelymachine\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/","og_locale":"es_ES","og_type":"article","og_title":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine","og_description":"The flame polishing that makes acrylic glow will ruin polycarbonate \u2014 every clear material has its own finishing playbook. Crystal-clear prototype parts: a light guide, lens covers, a display window and a fluid-sight manifold. Few prototyping jobs are as unforgiving as transparent parts. A light guide, lens cover, display window, or fluid-sight housing hides nothing:...","og_url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/","og_site_name":"Utelymachine","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61584809600185","article_published_time":"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":616,"url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited-1024x616.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"utelymachine","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@utelymachine","twitter_site":"@utelymachine","twitter_misc":{"Escrito por":"utelymachine","Tiempo de lectura":"9 minutos"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/"},"author":{"name":"utelymachine","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b91a4a0e58478d718c66301dfdb4799e"},"headline":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC)","datePublished":"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/"},"wordCount":1594,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png","articleSection":["3D Printing Services","CNC Machining","Injection Molding","Surface Finishing","Vacuum Casting"],"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/","url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/","name":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC) - Utelymachine","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png","datePublished":"2026-09-30T10:11:06+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-30T10:17:06+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png","width":1914,"height":1152},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/transparent-parts-by-vacuum-casting-clear-photopolymer-resin-vs-acrylic-pmma-vs-polycarbonate-pc\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Transparent Parts by Vacuum Casting: Clear Photopolymer Resin vs. Acrylic (PMMA) vs. Polycarbonate (PC)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/","name":"Utelymachine","description":"CNC Machining Services China | Rapid Prototyping - Utely","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization"},"alternateName":"Utely","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#organization","name":"Chongqing Utely Intelligent Technology S.L.","url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-\u516c\u53f8.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-\u516c\u53f8.png","width":586,"height":229,"caption":"Chongqing Utely Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61584809600185","https:\/\/x.com\/utelymachine"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b91a4a0e58478d718c66301dfdb4799e","name":"utelymachine","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8431e6023bb4d3df45e748bcd9667a5d5741311da512b102dfc672f7cdaf9da7?s=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8431e6023bb4d3df45e748bcd9667a5d5741311da512b102dfc672f7cdaf9da7?s=96","caption":"utelymachine"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/"]}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casting-1-edited.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3449"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3449\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3468,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3449\/revisions\/3468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3449"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3449"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/utelymachine.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}