Lost wax casting with 3D printing and castable resins: a revolution in the goldsmith's field

Lost wax casting

Lost wax casting is a thousand-year-old technique used to create metal objects. This process consists of creating a wax model of the object to be made, which is then coated with a refractory material, such as plaster. The wax pattern is then melted, leaving a void within the refractory material. The molten metal is then poured into the mold, filling the void and giving shape to the final object.

In the field of goldsmithing, lost wax casting is used for the production of jewellery, watches and other valuable objects. 3D printing and castable resins have revolutionized this process, making it more efficient, precise and flexible.

3D printing

3D printing is a technology that allows you to create three-dimensional objects starting from a digital model. This model can be created manually or using 3d modeling software.

In the goldsmith's field, 3D printing is used to create wax models of the objects to be made. 3D printing offers a number of advantages over traditional methods of creating wax models, including:

• Precision: Wax models made with 3D printing are very precise, with very small tolerances.
• Flexibility: 3D printing allows you to create wax models of any shape and size.
• Speed: 3D printing allows you to create wax models in a very short time.

Castable resins

Castable resins are acrylic resins that can be cast to create metal objects. These resins are designed specifically for investment casting, and offer a number of advantages over traditional resins, including:

• Durability: Castable resins are very durable, and can be used to create large objects.
• Transparency: Castable resins are transparent, which allows you to see the wax model inside.
• Compatibility: Castable resins are compatible with a wide range of metals, including gold, silver, platinum and bronze.

The lost wax casting process with 3D printing and castable resins

The lost wax casting process with 3D printing and castable resins is as follows:

1. Creation of the wax model: The wax model is created using a 3d printer.
2. Mold Coating: The wax pattern is coated with a refractory material, such as plaster.
3. Wax melting: The wax pattern is melted, leaving a void inside the mold.
4. Metal casting: Molten metal is poured into the mold, filling the void and shaping the final object.
5. Mold Removal: The mold is removed from the object, leaving the final object.

Advantages of lost wax casting with 3D printing and castable resins

3D printed investment casting with castable resins offers a number of advantages over traditional investment casting methods, including:

• Precision: Wax models made with 3D printing are very precise, with very small tolerances.
• Flexibility: 3D printing allows you to create wax models of any shape and size.
• Speed: 3D printing allows you to create wax models in a very short time.
• Costs: 3D printed investment casting is a cheaper process than traditional methods.

Conclusion

Lost wax casting with 3D printing and castable resins is an innovative technology that is revolutionizing the goldsmith's field. This technology offers a number of advantages over traditional methods, including accuracy, flexibility, speed and cost.