Casting
CASTING PROCESS OVERVIEW
For an in-depth look at the casting process, the principles behind Lost PLA, Lost Wax and Resin casting, visit https://youtu.be/qxj5eUkAFUI .
 |
Investment (Casting) Powder |
No, it’s NOT plaster of Paris as that doesn’t work. Proper investment (casting) plaster is needed.
|
|
 |
Castable Resin |
If you want to 3D print and cast, castable resin is what you need. I've been lucky enough to test and review dozens but honestly, when it comes to value for money, you can't beat Siraya Tech Cast. Right now you can only get it from the US, but it's worth paying the shipping costs. It still works out cheaper.
Buy it on US Amazon https://amzn.to/33O7622 |
|
Waxes
Wax Sprues
I use wax sprues to form the casting tree as part of the casting process.
Hard (trunk) sprues
Flexible (branch) sprues
Positioning (Sticky) wax
Injection Wax
 |
Wax Pen |
Wax pens make easy work of spruing wax. They're well worth the investment. |
 |
 |
|
|
Polishing
For Polishing I make use of a number of useful products.
 |
Abrasive wheels |
Abrasive wheels smooth metal, remove tarnishing, imperfections and scratches |
 |
 |
|
 |
Mops |
Mops apply compounds and polishes |
 |
 |
|
 |
Sanding Drums |
Sanding drums are a great way to remove and smooth metal quickly |
 |
 |
|
 |
Dremel |
Dremels are wonderful for metal work and polishing |
 |
 |
|
 |
Dialux Bleu |
Dialux Blue removes fine scratches |
 |
 |
|
 |
Dialux Rouge |
Dilaux Red is a wonderful polish |
 |
 |
|
 |
Barrel Tumbler |
A Barrel Tumbler is another great way of polishing, using nothing but water and a few tiny ball bearings.. |
 |
 |
|
 |
Ultrasonic Cleaner |
Ultrasonic Cleaners are great for cleaning, including metal parts, jewellery and even 3D prints |
 |
 |
|
3D Printing & Cleaning
I love 3D printing, particlularly with Resin printers which for me produce far better quality prints..
 |
Anycubic Wash & Cure |
When it comes to cleaning and curing resin prints, nothing works as well as a dedicated machine. Here's my video review : https://youtu.be/lmJNf5RKKAQ |
 |
 |
|
 |
Resin Paper Filters |
Always filter your resin when returning it to the bottle. These filters are a must. |
 |
 |
|
 |
Mini Airbrush |
Useful for blasting away excess resin and drying off IPA |
 |
 |
|
 |
Ultrasonic Cleaner |
Ultrasonic Cleaners are great for cleaning, including metal parts, jewellery and even 3D prints |
 |
 |
|
 |
Siraya Tech Fast |
A good all round resin providing plenty of detail and good value for money. |
 |
 |
|
IPA Cleaning / Recycling
IPA is a necessary evil when itcomes to 3D Resin printing but you can extend the life of your IPA by using a simple, recycling technique as I demonstrated in this video https://youtu.be/5U1IshPqmak
 |
Filter Funnel |
A useful tool for filtering any liquid is a filtering funnel. You can design your own and 3D print it, but for convenience I sell my filtering funnel as an STL Download file on Etsy. |
|
|
 |
Coffee Paper Filters |
Along with the filter funnel, simple paper coffee filters do a brilliant job. |
 |
 |
|
Misc Items
PLA
The PLA I use for my Lost PLA Casting is this -
FLASK SILICONE BASE
I sell plans for these on my Etsy Store - Etsy Store - but you'll also need...
MOLD MAKING SILICONE
LARGE METAL (MEAT INJECTOR) SYRINGE
VACUUM PUMP
I use this one
VACUUM CHAMBER
I use this one
GAS FURNACE
Try the Devil Forge range
here
WASH & RINSE CONTAINER
A simple pickle pot makes dunking and rinsing Resin prints easy
UV LIGHT
A very cheap Nail Polish lamp cures well
GRAPHICS TABLET
I do a fair bit of CAD work and a low price but good quality Graphics Tablet for use with Zbrush, Blender, etc, makes life much easier.
Broken Links?
If any of the links above don't work, please let me know. I'll get the link fixed and pass the correct info on to you as soon as I can.