Mould-Making
After sourcing for suitable materials, we are now ready to explore the possibilities of incorporating traditional casting techniques into 3D-printed objects. In the following, four experiments have been conducted using either 3D Printed moulds or moulds created out of an 3D Printed object.
1
Pour Jesmonite into the 2-part mould.
2
Flip the mould upside down to pour excess Jesmonite out. Leave to harden.
3
Demould.
Silicone Mould
This is a traditional casting technique that involves a master mould and a rubber mould. Firstly, I 3D-printed the master mould before making the rubber mould using silicone. From this experiment, I concluded that silicone is the best material for casting hard materials, due to it’s flexibility for demoulding and ability to capture fine details.
Rolling Pin Mould
Unlike the previous experiments which involves casting Jesmonite or Concrete onto a pre-designed 3D-printed mould, a stamp mould allows us to create textures and patterns on a soft material such as clay. This led me to my final experiment with designing 3D-printed rolling pins.
2-Part Mould
In a traditional slip casting process, slip is poured into a two-parts mould to create a hollow cylinder. I seek to experiment using other materials other than slip.
Objects get easily broken into half if the walls are not thick and strong enough.
3-Part Mould
Taking inspiration from traditional casting technique which involves pouring liquid material into a mould, I have explored 3D-Printing a 3-part mould of a vase.
