Print your own metal castings

[jamie92208]

I'm not sure whther or not members are already aware of this advance in 3D printing but thought I'd share it.

One of my cousins is a jeweller who specialises in jewellry inspired by architecture.  She's just shared this picture on facebook.

It's a ring printed in 18ct gold.   I asked her if she ahd done a resin master for a lost wax type process but apprently it was printed direct.  They can do 18Ct gold now but she syas that silver is to be possible next year.  I have asked her if brass is possible.

 

Hope this is of interest as potentially it has huge impications for our hobby as regards detail castings for kits.

 

Jamie

 

[Jon Fitness]

Wow, How much did that cost! If brass is do-able the possibilities are endless. Cast loco beds for larger continental steam locos come to mind! Bogie castings, signal bits etc.....

Jon F.

[jamie92208]

I'll certainly keep in touch with my cousin.  Her name is Vicki Ambery Smith and a lot of her other conventional work is featured on the web.   She helped me get some bridge handrail stanchions cast for my Long Preston layout.  She helped me with the design of the brass master and then reccommended a foundry.   When they arrived thyey were in what loked like white metal and were a bit bent.  I phoned the foundry and asked what metal they were cast in and how to straighten them.  The reply was  "There's no problem Mr Guest,  They're cast in sterling silver and it's very ductile.  We didn't have any brass in stock."

 

I was fair gobsmacked, as they say oop ere, and seriously contemplated having a couple of them hallmarked for fun to say that I had the only hallmarked scenic accessories on a layout.  However they got painted grey and had piano wire handrails fitted and went on the main underbridge by the station.  From then on it became known as 'Faberge' bridge to the crew.  It's now on display in Long Preston village hall and the stanchions are still there.  

 

Jamie

[Dazzler Fan]

Shapeways have introduced printing masters for lost wax casting

in gold plated brass.

Shapeways "doctor" your drawing for pour and vent holes to cast.

[billbedford]

The brass castings from both Shapeways and iMaterialize are hand polished before plating. From experience of the iMaterialize offering, I would say that they are over polished. This may not be the effect that you want to see on a model.