[3D Printing Application] FDM 3D Printers and Lost-Wax Casting Spark a Blaze

Do you remember the article we shared previously, What?! FDM 3D printed objects can also be used for lost-wax casting?!Since then, I've often heard many friends express a strong desire to try molding or casting metal parts, wanting to see how it works in practice. Luckily, we recently met professional jewelry designer Lin Xin-da, who gave us many suggestions and guidance. He let us know that FDM 3D printers and 3D printing materials can indeed be used for lost-wax casting, and he was willing to help us contact familiar foundries. And just like that, 3DMART's first 925 sterling silver mascot was "born" with a "thump"! Let's take a look at the process!
 

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This time, we asked 3D model designer - Ethan Lee - to design this polar bear from scratch, and we printed it with a 0.1 layer thickness. Lin Xin-da explained that there are two key points to consider when using an FDM machine for lost-wax casting: first, the wall thickness should not be too thick, around 0.8mm is about right; second, there should be no infill inside. So, if you're worried that the top won't seal without infill, you might need to use design software or slicing software with controllable supports to assist. We used an Ultimaker 2 printer, and of course, our protagonist filament was Moldlay wax-like filament.




It took about 1 hour, and since it was hollow, very little material was consumed, only 5g. It's about 4 cm wide and 4.5 cm high.




The Moldlay filament has a very low temperature resistance, so be extra careful when holding it.




Look at this sturdy bear's back and waist (just kidding). Now it's time to hand it over to a professional foundry!




What?! It's finished so quickly? Oh, well, because the foundry's expertise is top secret, we couldn't delve into the details of how it was made. However, the师傅 (master craftsman) who helped us said that this filament is excellent and can be used with a standard process. Previously, many people tried testing PLA, ABS, casting resin, and other 3D printing consumables, but they all had imperfections. This Moldlay is indeed closer to the properties of wax. Oh my god! Hearing this news was truly touching!




The casting material used is 925 sterling silver, so there's no need to worry about allergies, and the price is reasonable~




After casting, the master craftsman said he polished it for us, and it certainly looks sparkling.




Now I won't have to worry about what to give for Valentine's Day. Making custom silver jewelry with 3D printing is as easy as pie.




The reproduction is almost 100%. If you're worried about the higher cost of pure silver, the master craftsman said you can also use brass~




The master craftsman also mentioned that a hole would be drilled in the bottom before casting, so that hollow silver ornaments can be cast, otherwise the cost would increase significantly!

Seeing this, don't you all want to quickly own your own metal piece?
Secretly, we are currently trying to make beautiful customized rings with FDM, and we will share more with you later, so please stay tuned!