| prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #18911] Mon, 11 October 2010 03:27 UTC |
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I want to cast some of my ideas in Silver, and I know that silver will be an option here soon. But, until then, I am thinking of making a silicon mold from a model printed by SW.
It is going to be pretty small, and I would like it to have good detail, so i am thinking of using the clear detail material. Will I have to coat it with something to make it so the liquid silicone won't seep into the model?
Has anyone here tried to do this yet?
Thanks for any advice.
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #18913 is a reply to message #18911 ] Mon, 11 October 2010 10:16 UTC |
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Hold off Novaking,
Silver is JUST around the corner....
Duann Scott
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #18938 is a reply to message #18914 ] Mon, 11 October 2010 18:55 UTC |
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Thanks for the info, Sophie.
Dr. Scott, I want to cast some bronze figures as well as do a run of about 50 silver pieces. I think that It will not be cost effective to produce large runs via SW.
Believe me, I am loving what SW can do, but it is not practical for manufacturing everything especially when factoring in the markup needed to make a profit. I feel that the costs and the time it takes to get the pieces keep it mostly useful in the prototyping stage for what I do.
Also, I am running a business, and can not "hold off" on my business. Even if SW offered silver today, it would be about a month before I got my first piece, and then if it worked, It would be another month before I got a big batch to start selling. That would mean that I would not have them in time to sell for the Christmas season.
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #19005 is a reply to message #18938 ] Wed, 13 October 2010 15:42 UTC |
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Hi Linc,
I was wondering, do you have a casting shop in house or are you planning to out source the service? If you are located in the US I can suggest a few companies who specialize in precious metal and/or small objects. Expect that any of these companies will want to make the molds themselves. This is not to make extra $$ but rather so the molds will better fit into their production methods. Generally they will do a better job of it and the cost is minimal. If you want them to cast a single wax model to produce a metal master expect to pay a premium. Once a metal master is produced and finished to your liking then a mold (usually vulcanized rubber) will be made. Liquid silicone based molds produce better initial tolerances than vulcanized rubber but have a lower useful production life.
You should also realize that it will be impossible to make molds from some 3dp shapes. A double Moebius ring, forget about it! This is the real beauty and value of 3dp, it allows shapes that are impractical or impossible to produce any other way.
-G
"Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."
Leonardo da Vinci
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #19015 is a reply to message #19005 ] Wed, 13 October 2010 17:16 UTC |
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Hi Glen,
I out source the service. I have a place already, but am always interested in comparing quality and price with other places.
I do live in the U.S., so please let me know more about what companies you suggest.
Thanks!
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #19233 is a reply to message #19015 ] Sat, 16 October 2010 18:24 UTC |
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Hi Linc,
sorry to take so long getting back to you. One of the better known jewelry casters is the Billanti Co. They are located in NYC. Another company I used to deal with was, the Irving Lang Co. also from NYC. Both do excellent work, expect to pay top dollar for all services rendered. Just understand they tend to give priority to established hi volume customers.
Another choice would be "Sandretto's" They are located in Pittsburgh and can be reached at : <http://www.gold-silver-casting.com/>. Tom Sandretto is the owner. They do impeccable work. Because they are somewhat out of the mainstream this would be my first choice for quality, technical expertise and service.
-G
"Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."
Leonardo da Vinci
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #19252 is a reply to message #19233 ] Sun, 17 October 2010 07:16 UTC |
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Thanks for the info!
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| Re: prepping for making a mold of a printed item [message #19265 is a reply to message #19252 ] Sun, 17 October 2010 16:25 UTC |
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sent you a "PM", comments on Sandretto.
-G
"Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."
Leonardo da Vinci
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