Those inventive folks at the University of Washington are at it again. This time they’ve been working on a simple formula for cementenous metalcasting. In other words, material with which you can make an effective mold for molten metal casts. At one point, they were using this recipe: - 1000 parts VersaBond
- 250 parts Maltodextrin
- 250 parts PVA powder
When mixed with just the precise amount of moisture and deposited appropriately by a 3D printer, you’ll get yourself a near-rock-hard mold suitable for sloshing in a hot metallic liquid of your choice. What will your first cast be? We know what Open3DP’s will be (see image above).
However, after subsequent experiments with other substances including – apparently – Rice Wine (all for good academic use, we’re quite certain), they have arrived at the ultimate formula:
There is no formula. Just go to the hardware store and purchase a 50 pound bag of USG Hydroperm for USD$30!
That’s perhaps the simplest and best answer one could hope for. Well, done, Open3DP!
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The ISCT mold inspection network provides on-call mold testing services 7 days a week. Since 1997, they have earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, ethics and premium customer service. Because of this, they have become one of the largest mold inspection companies in the nation. With a network of mold inspector employees and affiliates located throughout the United States, they have the resources, manpower, equipment, and expertise to help you with your mold testing needs and get the job done – quickly and efficiently. You want to get quick results in order to get a plan of action ready, they can steer you in the right direction. So contact with them as soon as possible.
Thanks Open3DP for noting our collaboration. I have been working as a visiting sculptor/researcher with UW for several months now, while on sabbatical from Fresno City College. I would stick with non-ferrous metals and make sure the mold is well pre-heated, before trying to pour metal into it. I will post instructions within the next several weeks (as we complete testing) on rpsculpt.wordpress.com and then dual post on open3dp. In the meantime it is a great substitute for the store bought powders.
Thanks Open3DP for noting our collaboration. I have been working as a visiting sculptor/researcher with UW for several months now, while on sabbatical from Fresno City College. I would stick with non-ferrous metals and make sure the mold is well pre-heated, before trying to pour metal into it. I will post instructions within the next several weeks (as we complete testing) on rpsculpt.wordpress.com and then dual post on open3dp. In the meantime it is a great substitute for the store bought powders.
So noted. Well done in any case!
So noted. Well done in any case!
To be clear, Laura West was really a co-inventor of the cementenous casting material and the recent hydroperm discovery.
To be clear, Laura West was really a co-inventor of the cementenous casting material and the recent hydroperm discovery.