Also called: Silicone moulds, resin casting, investment casting
Mould making and casting uses a 3D print as the original (the "master"). A mould is made from it, then copies are cast in materials like resin, silicone, or metal. For jewellery, a printed pattern in castable resin is burned out and replaced with metal.
Good for
- Making many copies of one part
- Jewellery in gold, silver, or brass
- Soft silicone parts
- Resin props and figurines in quantity
How it works
- A master is 3D printed and finished smooth.
- A mould (often silicone) is made around it.
- Copies are cast in the chosen material.
- Copies are cleaned and finished.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cost-effective for multiple copies
- Materials 3D printers can't use
- Metal jewellery from digital designs
Cons
- Mould setup adds up-front cost
- Moulds wear out over many casts
Questions to ask the shop
- How many copies can one mould make?
- Which casting materials do you offer?
- Do you cast metal in-house or with a partner?
Common materials
Castable resin (jewellery) · High-temperature resin · Brass / bronze
Common questions
Is casting cheaper than printing every copy? Often, for larger quantities. For a few copies, printing each one may be cheaper.
Related services
Resin printing · Sanding and finishing
Find mould making and casting near you
Find shops offering mould making and casting near you, or upload your file for a quote.