The 3D printing industry is growing rapidly, with the use of metal materials on track for a CAGR of 24% through 2030. Parallel to this growth is the US metal casting market, expected to reach around $23 million by 2025. This expansion continues to drive demand for 3D printed molds in applications ranging from automotive to custom jewelry. With the launch of our new cast metal finishes, Shapeways is excited to deepen our commitment to providing our customers with an expansive material and finish offering.

Shapeways’ metal casting technology (also known as wax casting) combines the speed of 3D printing with the durability and finish of traditional metals. Beyond faster production and higher accuracy, metal casting allows for more intricate shapes. To get a quote in one of our new cast metal finishes, upload and print your file here.

We’ve expanded our selection of cast metal finishes to include:

Explore the details and design guidelines for each new cast metal finish available at Shapeways.

New Brass Cast Metal Finishes

Brass, a copper alloy that consists of 80% copper, 15% zinc, and 5% tin, is known for its intricate detailing and professional finish. This material is commonly chosen for applications ranging from jewelry to home decor. 

Introducing:

  • 14K Yellow Gold Plated Brass (3 μm now available)

14K Yellow Gold Plated Brass (now available in 3 μm as well as 0.5 μm) is visually stunning and highly durable. Recommended for products like fine jewelry and detailed miniatures, this material offers a luxurious look without compromising integrity.

  • Black Rhodium Plated Brass (0.5 μm)

Black Rhodium Plated Brass combines the strength of brass with a striking black finish through rhodium plating. This cast metal material is excellent for jewelry or any products requiring contrast. The darker hue adds modern sophistication, visual appeal, and long-lasting quality.

Other Brass Finishes

  • Natural Finish
  • Polished Finish
  • 18K Gold Plated Brass (0.5 μm)
  • 14K Rose Gold Plated Brass (0.5 μm)
  • Silver Rhodium Plated Brass (0.5 μm)

Learn more in the design guidelines for Brass, Gold Plated Brass, and Rhodium Plated Brass.

New Silver Cast Metal Finishes

Sterling Silver (92.5% silver) is a high-quality silver alloy commonly used in jewelry and other skin-safe applications. This cast metal material showcases intricate details and offers a professional, finished look. Silver is malleable with thinner features, providing flexibility in design.

Introducing:

  • Satin Silver

Satin Silver provides a softer texture that diffuses light beautifully. This cast metal material is recommended for products like fine jewelry and detailed miniatures, providing luxurious aesthetics without compromising integrity.

  • Sandblasted Silver

Sandblasted Silver features a raw, textured surface ideal for designs with a rugged edge. This cast metal material works well for industrial jewelry or products requiring a unique finish.

Other Silver Finishes

  • Natural
  • Polished
  • Fine-Detail Polished
  • Antique

Learn more in the design guidelines for Silver.

New Yellow Gold Cast Metal

Gold 3D printing is ideal for crafting both everyday wear and timeless pieces, providing the perfect blend of quality, durability and elegance. With its ability to highlight even the most intricate details, Gold offers a sophisticated finish for a professional look and feel.

Introducing:

  • 10K Yellow Gold

Other Gold Colors and Finishes

  • 18K Yellow Gold
  • 14K Yellow Gold
  • 14K Rose Gold
  • 9K Yellow Gold
  • 9K Rose Gold

Learn more in the design guidelines for Gold. 

​​Understanding the Technology: Lost Wax Casting

Lost Wax Casting remains a trusted method for creating metal objects for centuries. Shapeways puts a modern twist on this traditional technique, however, by incorporating 3D printing into the process. Molds are 3D printed with wax to create highly detailed plaster molds. Molten metal fills these molds, solidifying to create the desired metal structures—improving the quality of the end product and accelerating the manufacturing process.

For a quote in one of our newest cast metal finishes, simply upload and print your file here.

About Shapeways

Shapeways is a global leader in digital manufacturing, combining additive and traditional technologies with proprietary software solutions designed for other manufacturers and their customers, reducing costs, and improving supply chains. 

With ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing facilities in Livonia and Charlotte, Michigan, and Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Shapeways operates globally and has delivered more than 24 million parts to more than 1 million customers in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.shapeways.com.