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This is our third-generation alternative to the use of traditional mold natches (like the red ones in the photo). Here is what you are seeing:
Right: A 3D-printed case mold for a mug handle. Clips (retainers) have been inserted from the bottom side. An embed has been pushed down over the one in the rear.
Center: The plaster mold created from it. The embed at the rear is ready for inserting a spacer (the nipple of the other half will it into that). A natch has also been inserted into the embed in the front. These fit tight enough in the hole that glue was not needed here.
Left: Spacers have been inserted into both embeds. A standard natch fits into the one in the rear and one of our natches fits into the one in the front.
Soon the CAD drawing for these (natches, spacers, embeds, clips) will be available on digitalfire.com.
Plastic natches are cast into plaster molds to provide a durable and good-fitting interlock to ensure pieces line up perfectly. The traditional one familiar to most people is the 3/8" or 9.5 mm size (nipple diameter). Because of issues surrounding their use (not the least of which are price or even finding a supplier), we designed and print our own using PLA filament. Ours have several advantages:
-There is never an issue with supply, we make them.
-13.5mm holes in case molds are all that is needed to adapt to these.
-3D printing case and block molds necesititates pouring plaster and rubber into shells with planar mating surfaces downward (they must sit flat on the table). The thin flanges on these cause minimal issues.
-Casting an embed into a mold is more flexible since we can glue (or friction fit) a natch or a spacer inside. In addition, they permit flat mating surfaces to be sanded (for better flatness and fit).
Our drawing (right) shows the measurements we use. 3D printing is precise enough that the inside dimension of the embed is the same as the outside of the natch shoulder, yet the natch slides in perfectly. The same good fit happens with the clip and embed and the natch nipple and spacer (although it is necessary to chamfer the bottom corners and bevel the top corners of the spacer for better insert).
There is a good chance some dimension changes are needed to fine-tune for printing in your circumstances. Since these are printed in batches of many, failed print jobs will result if insufficient attention is given to this (and to whether to use a glued plate).
Projects |
Mold Natches
Natches are an interlocking mechanism using in plaster molds for ceramics. They enable quick and accurate registry when assembling multiple pieces of a mold. |
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Glossary |
Mold Natches
At digitalfire we are big fans of slip casting and want to help people and companies (even hobbyists) to integrate it into their production. |
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