Slip casting can be messy both in processing and in making the original plaster mold. What if there was a better way, thanks to 3D printing?
[Allie Katz] has developed a new technique using 3D printed slab molds to make ceramics. By combining the ability of 3D printing to make intricate designs and the formability of clay, they have found a way to make reproducible clay objects without all that tedious mucking about with liquid clay.
[Katz] takes us through a quick “Mould Making 101” before showing how the slab casting press molds were made. Starting with a positive CAD design, the molds were designed to eliminate undercuts and allow for air infiltration since a plastic mold can’t suck the water out of the clay like a plaster one would. Some cookie clay cutters were also designed to help with the trickier bits of geometry. Once everything was printed, the molds were coated with cornstarch and clay was pressed in. After removal, any final details like handles can be added and the pieces are then fired as normal.
If you’d like to see some more 3D printing mixed up with ceramics, check out 3D printing glass with a laser, reliable ceramic slurry printing, or this TPU-based approach.
Interesting, as I have only attempted a one piece mold for custom silicone casting. It worked out quite well. I have considered 2 piece molds for epoxy but not much else. I am trying to limit the additional rabbit holes I go down in relation to 3d printing due to longterm costs.
Isn’t Hammerly doing slip casting with plaster?
I can not comment on hammerly ceramics but I have seen many small ceramics businesses doing this for years as well. Definitely not new, just another clickbait recycled youtube video.
Making good tutorials on established techniques is not useless and not clickbait.
I cannot comment on comments but I’ve seen many commenters comment like this for years as well. Definitely not new, just another comment.
Was that a Haiiku?
Nice wrap-up of the project. It might even be possible to use the molding step as a refinement process for crude pre-forms 3D printed with clay, probably with an additional lid and a balloon that can be inflated to press the clay against the mold.
Sadly those connection point between slabs become liability in the kiln due to different density and expansion rate from thin slip that was used as glue and sharp angle. Learnt hard way. While it’s possible, it needs guide of pro to make those seam not leak after baking.
To avoid issue, I’ve put a monolithic clay in to 3d printed mold and had to push it against mold wall with fingers and tools. Impossible to get even thickness but at least no seam left unchecked for beginners like me.
Would it be possible to use some kind of core plug that is forced into the cavity of the mold after packing with clay to given even thickness? Would need some kind of centering guides on plug and mold at top to get correct position. Then trim any excess clay forced out.
I’m curious if a blow molding system could be utilized to make this easier.
Why all this hassle, when one can 3D print the positive and make a plaster mold as usual? Plaster is faster and cheaper than 3D print, and works great for slip casting (sucks the water from the clay)