The incredible utility of 3D printing master handle molds

Friday 22nd November 2019

These molds are 3D-printed from PLA filament. They are part of my 2019 year-long casting-jiggering project. A quick soaping, 164g water, 236g plaster and a fifteen minute set produced this plaster mold. It takes time to learn how to soap the masters properly to get optimum quality, but these molds seem to work well regardless. The two halves mate with a tiny amount of play, but it is easy to line them up perfectly (the play actually enables lateral movement that aids in releasing the handle). It is actually easier to cast handles solid rather than pour the slip out, they can be ready to apply in an hour after pouring. The ease of making these molds puts slip casting within much easier reach for potters and small companies.

Pages that reference this post in the Digitalfire Reference Library:

Final cast-jiggered mug beside original 3D-printed mock-up, 3D-Printed master mold, handle mold made in it, first cast, Slip Casting, 3D-Printing, 2019 Jiggering-Casting Project

This post is one of thousands found in the Digitalfire Reference Database. Most are part of a timeline maintained by Tony Hansen. You can search that timeline on the home page of digitalfire.com.