Lost Wax Mold (Lion Protome)

In the summer I began an experiment to determine if 3D printed PLA molds could be used to create wax positive for lost wax casting. My early experiments with simply cylindrical forms were fairly successful. Four part molds, 3d printed with support material, sanded slightly and a healthy does of mold release did well. Two part molds and rough plastic were not so successful. With this in mind I wanted to see if a complex 3D scanned part would also produce a respectable, lifelike wax reproduction for possible casting later on. This to me would be the magic bullet where we could short circuit the mold making process for foundry outcomes.

I chose my 3D scan of the Lion Protome in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have adopted this lion as my goto model for 3D printing / 3D scanning demos and workshops. It's a great object to scan - and comes out really well in Recap and 123D Catch with 50 or more photos. It's also a good object to print as it is just steep enough to merit support material but often prints just fine without it. I think there's a lot 3D print designers can learn from ancient sculpture where the artisans of the day had to do a LOT with very little. Especially when it comes to unsupported overhangs and other details. Despite being very dynamic in form - there are no right angles here at all.

For more info: http://tomburtonwood.com/2015/10/3d-printed-mold-making-pt-4/