Moulding and Casting
Updated for 2025 evaluation standards!
Group assignment:
- Review the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials
- Make and compare test casts with each of them
- Compare printing vs milling molds
Individual assignment:
- Design a mold around the process you'll be using, produce it with a smooth surface finish that does not show the production process, and use it to cast parts.
Learning outcomes
- Design appropriate objects within the limitations of your process
- Demonstrate workflows used in mold design, construction and casting
Have you answered these questions?
- Linked to the group assignment page and reflected on your individual page what you have learned
- Reviewed the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials, then made and compared test casts with each of them
- Documented how you designed and created your 3D mold, including machine settings
- Ensured your mold has smooth surface finish, that does not show the production process (by postprocessing if necessary)
- Shown how you safely made your mold and cast the parts
- Described problems and how you fixed them
- Included your design files and ‘hero shot’ of the mold and the final object
FAQ
Should I make a mold for the group assignment?
Answer: No, group assignment is for you to get familiar with the materials and the processes.
Should I read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and technical data sheet (TDS) this week?
Answer: Yes, always. Document the main points you have learned, e.g. safety precautions and any other important information.
I want to only make a negative mold and cast something in it. Is that acceptable?
Answer: Yes, if your part can be accurately cast in negative mold without breaking the mold.
Can I 3D print the mold?
Answer: Yes, you can 3D-print your mold if you can produce a smooth surface finish.
Can I use another process to create the mold other than milling or 3D printing?
Answer: No, maybe you can do it in wildcard week
Have a question or feedback? Use this quick link to open an issue in GitLab class repo!