3d Printed Molds
Introduction: 3d Printed Molds
Hi All,
In this instructable, I will share how to make a mold using 3d printing tools and cast amazing statues for decor
Supplies
* 3d Printer
* Tinkercad
* Plaster of Paris
* Acrylic paints and brushes
Step 1: Tinkercad
* First, we need to find a good 3d model,
* I choose Moai,
* as this was a simple design,
* not many fine details,
* Symmetrical
* I got mine on Thingiverse
* To Make the mold
* Import the STL file in tinkercad
* Convert it from solid to a hole
* Add a Box and adjust the dimensions to be at least 3 to 5 mm larger than the actual stl model
* Group them and then cut this into half
* Duplicate the model and then mirror it
* Turn them to lay flat as shown
* I have trimmed the mold edges to reduce time and PLA consumption
Step 2: 3d Printing
* Download the STL file from Cults3d
* 3d Print with the following settings
* Resolution : 0.2mm
* Retraction : 6mm
* No Support
* Infill: 20%
* It took approx 7h to print
Step 3: Casting
* Apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the inner surface of the mold
* Using Paper tape, align the 2 parts of the mold
* Mix Plaster of Paris and water in a 4:1 ratio
* Pour the mix into the cast and leave it to set
* After a few hours, gentling demold
* If any part breaks, use PVA glue to stick it back
Tip:
* Depending on the quality of the PoP, the setting time may vary
* Be patient, if the mix does not set in 30 minutes
* Leave it to dry for a day or redo the mix with lesser water
Step 4: Painting Style 1
* Paint dark Brown all over the statue
* Use dark green to highlight the eyes, ears, and nose, this represents the moss growth on the statue
* Now add some yellow to brown to get a lighter shade of brown, dry brush it on the statue
* Now with a dry brush dab green across
* Let this dry and we are done...
* Place the statues on a bookshelf or showcase. admire the decor
Step 5: Painting Style 2
* One can get a faux stone look
* Use light grey to paint the whole statue
* Now use dark grey to dry brush across
* Let this dry and we are done.
* Place the statue on a bookshelf or showcase. admire the decor
Step 6: Tips
* One can mass produce these statues and create gifts for your friends and family
* Can experiment with different materials: cement, ceramic powder, etc
* Using softer filament other than PLA could help in more complex molds
* Experiment and share your feedback 74