Example master and standard mould generation

My wife needed to create some slip moulds from 3D designs, so GH was a natural...

This project on Thingiverse provides all the details and a video of the penultimate version's options and outputs. I just added a small update to deliver standard moulds rather than master moulds* to those who need them.

I thought others may benefit from some of the techniques used; for example a method of finding the optimal natch (alignment feature) location in the most open mould surface. The solid intersection function has some edge cases where it misbehaves; the algorithm works around these.

Any feedback is welcome. I hope others find this amusing and for some of you even useful! I directly attach the GH file for those interested.

cheers

Rod

* Master moulds are a "mould for a mould". For slip casting, you can use this programme to create a master mould - from which you then generate a plaster mould. Clay slip is then poured into this mould - and the plaster absorbs water from the slip to create a "skin". You then pour out the remaining liquid slip and are left with a finely detailed hollow article which can then be fired and decorated. Old fashioned "mass production"

Attachments:

Mould programme 18.01.13.gh, 148 KB

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred Becquelin on January 18, 2013 at 2:59am

Seems great! I'll take a close look at this. Thanks Rod.

another interesting process :

http://www.core77.com/blog/materials/rotational_moulding_diy_14214.asp

Permalink Reply by Rod Laird on January 18, 2013 at 4:46pm

Looks like fun!

Permalink Reply by Rod Laird on January 18, 2013 at 4:51pm

There's an update on the Thingiverse site and attached that correctly scales the open platform depths (but requires Hoopsnake).

The bi-material platform now has a central print-through of the top layer material so 3D extruder printers have both extruders active for the whole print. Prevents clogs. The whole point of the bi-material approach is to better control platform warping; a PLA underlayer is stiffer (and can print without a heated build plate) and ABS is easier to make plaster moulds from if you are using gesso or a similar material to smooth the mould prints. You can of course always direct cast plaster from PLA but it does not hold gesso...

Attachments: