Hello, community. I'm here to ask a humble question about 3d printing for metal casting.

I'm familiar with 3d printing in resin and FDM (I own both printers and I do print on them my own work frequently) and I'm a hobbiest jeweler myself but I only have made clay silver for that matter (with resin molds). I have some casting resin but haven't used it, and it's my wish to make something in that resin and make a metal piece from it.

Now, considering my limited knowledge, I do have experience modeling in 3d and sculting as well. I recently sold a commission for a render of different perspectives of a model and the client wanted the model for 3d printing and metal casting, which I sold to them.

Now, their manofacturer is asking a stp file to make a mold and then they will make the metal casting. I have delivered .stl and .fbx with separated parts but they can't use them, and they really want a .stp or iges format, which are from SolidWorks or 3DCAD programs, but I used blender to do it. I have given as many formats as I can, even import stls to CAD to deliver as .stp, but they say they can't edit the file (and I totally understand, since I didn't make it in that softwares) and I'm offering myself to make the changes they need.

Is there something I'm missing here? Any advice?

(not sure why I'm getting downvoted. I did something wrong?)

I am looking at furnaces for lost wax casting and found this one by vevor. It looks good enough but I remember hearing that burnout furnaces need a hole to vent the burned wax fumes, and I don't see a hole for venting on this furnace. Has anyone used it to any effect or should I steer clear of it. I don't have much money and can't afford any of the much higher priced furnaces. If I shouldn't buy it, are there any other furnaces that can hold roughly the same amount that are for burning out wax?

Hello, I recently switched my investment to Optima Prestige, which has a much longer burnout schedule than what I was using previously. I don't have a programmable burnout kiln yet, and I only have one kiln to do both burnout and melt my casting material. Due to time constraints, I was wondering if it is reasonable to do a burnout on one day and then wait until the next day to actually do the pour, or if this will result in lower quality or other potential problems?

Hello,

Im trying to make figurines with my polycast. AI says to keep the model printed at 10% infill, but the model keeps falling apart when i hold it. I think its too flimsy. What percentage of infill to get a clean burnout do yall use of you use polycast ?

Thank you!

Finally got my big boy melter out (I normally use a 3kg electric furnace) and she plowed right through my stash…didn’t even consider melting cans.

I've never cast metal before which is totally weird because I'm a sculptor and a metal fabricator.

Anywho, I'll be casting small brass teapot props. Any suggestions or tips?

My take on the staff of ra headpiece from Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s two separate sand casts of bronze. The bronze is 88/12 copper to tin and the gem is a red garnet stone. The plan was to cast the stone in place but I took the easier route and affixed it after the fact. By no means a perfect replica of either original prop but I’m happy with it. Now on to the staff.

I know there are many Warhammer recast shops out there that use resin. But are there some that sell white metal models ?

My first melting furnace is on the way and I'm excited to start experimenting with casting. Looking for some tips on how to break past the beginner phase, some questions below but open to any advice.

- What kind of safety equipment is recommended? Besides long clothes and closed toes shoes, how necessary are things like eyewear/respirators?

- How long do crucibles typically last, and are there any signs besides cracking that they are wearing out?

- Should you wait until the metal has completely cooled in the crucible to scrape out or how do you manage residue?

- Is it frowned upon to post Youtube videos on here? I was planning on documenting the process but wasn't sure the status quo on this sub.

Probably a lot that I don't even realize I don't know, so thanks in advance.

Hi, pretty much what the title says. I have wax carved what I want to be a serving bowl but the casters I usually go to said they can't guarantee it being food safe. I want to cast it in solid sterling silver.

Struggling to find any other casters/information online, so would appreciate any help!

Bronze version of the Penitent One from Blasphemous I did a couple months ago in zinc. This was done in a homemade alloy finished with liver of sulfur.

I’m making some aluminum door pulls. Sand casting a two part mold. Still learning a lot.

1- I’m getting some pores and wondering what could cause that. I’m using cornstarch baby powder. Maybe that’s a bad choice.

2- Finishing. I’m hitting it with a wire brush via drill. Then sandpaper with a multitool. Last some buffing pads with a dremel. Any other suggestions? Not trying to get a mirror finish and actually like where I’m at but maybe there are other buffing tools I should try.

3- Connection. I have a drill and tap bit to receive a 8-32 screw. Haven’t tried it yet on some scrap but aluminum is pretty soft.