{"id":31151,"date":"2017-05-11T12:19:07","date_gmt":"2017-05-11T16:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=31151"},"modified":"2017-05-16T10:41:08","modified_gmt":"2017-05-16T14:41:08","slug":"materials-explainer-3d-printing-in-cast-metal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/materials-explainer-3d-printing-in-cast-metal","title":{"rendered":"Materials Explainer: 3D Printing in Cast Metal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Arrow Ring Size 6<\/a> by Courtney, etc. in 14k rose gold, 14k white gold, and 18k gold<\/p><\/div>\n

Cast metals at Shapeways combine the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing with the lost-wax casting process developed by humans thousands of years ago. Most cast-metal products from Shapeways are jewelry, given size constraints and the cost of materials.<\/p>\n

When it comes to cast metals, 3D printing has the advantage of being able to make complex shapes with interlocking parts that would be impossible using traditional processes. That said, engraving will not be as fine what as a laser can do. Also, precious metals are softer than steel, so they might not be ideal for, say, a bottle opener.<\/p>\n

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Origami Elephant<\/a> by Necora in Premium Silver<\/p><\/div>\n

Here\u2019s how metals are cast: A wax rendering of the 3D model comes out of the 3D printer, then plaster flows around the wax to make a mold. Once the plaster sets, the wax gets melted out of the mold and molten metal gets poured in. Once the metal cools, the plaster is broken away. The metal is will be polished and, if applicable, plated. This video featuring Lucas Goossens of the LucasPlus Shapeways shop<\/a>, will give you a glimpse:<\/p>\n