🔨Combining 3D printing and metal casting techniques to create unique and custom-made objects
🌬️Using alcohol vapor to smooth 3D printed objects and achieve a polished finish
🌡️Managing temperature during the melting process to ensure successful casting
🔥Dealing with challenges like cracking and defects in the casting process
🛠️Crafting a custom handle and finishing the sledge hammer for a professional and stunning result
What materials are used to create the sledge hammer?
—The sledge hammer is made from 12 pounds of sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
How is the 3D printing filament smoothed?
—The filament is smoothed using alcohol vapor. By placing the 3D print in an alcohol-filled container, the outer layers melt, resulting in a smooth finish.
What is the purpose of the sprue in the casting process?
—The sprue is necessary to avoid shrinkage in the casting. Any shrinkage that occurs will happen on the sprue and not on the casting itself.
How is the ceramic shell mold created?
—The ceramic shell mold is built up around the 3D print using a liquid ceramic slurry. Several layers are applied, with silica sand sprinkled in between to create a thick shell.
What challenges are faced during the metal casting process?
—Cracking and defects can occur in the ceramic shell. This is due to the absorption of oxygen by the liquid silver, which can result in bubble formations.
00:02Learn how to create a solid silver sledge hammer using 3D printing and metal casting.
00:46Design and 3D print the hammer head using a special filament that can be smoothed with alcohol vapor.
01:33Attach a sprue to the hammer head to avoid shrinkage during the casting process.
01:57Build up a ceramic shell mold around the 3D print using a ceramic slurry and silica sand.
02:31Melt out the 3D print from the ceramic shell mold.
03:12Fix any cracks in the ceramic shell using fiberglass cloth and slurry.
03:40Fire the shell in a kiln to turn it into a durable ceramic.
03:45Melt the silver and pour it into the mold.
