Tech Thursday #004: 3D Print Molding

Do you have a 3D printer? Try this to make higher quality parts with different materials that probably can’t print with your 3D printer.

3D printers are great for prototyping but when it comes to make a part that needs to be durable they usually struggle. You can, however, use them to print a mold of a part and then use a two-part urethane, epoxy, or any other curable liquid material to cast the part. Follow these steps:

Draw your mold in a 3D CAD software. Often times you can draw your part and then make the mold by subtracting your part from a solid feature. Make sure to think about demolding too. You may have to design a two or three piece mold to be able to extract your part.
Print your mold.
Mix your material and pour into the mold. Make sure to use a mold release for easy demoliding. Sometimes it may be necessary to “float” something like a screw in the material during curing so that you have something to pull on for demolding.
Demold.