Coming soon: Throw the teapot and slip-cast the lid

How would you like to be able to create a parametric CAD model of a teapot lid? Then 3D print a case mold and pour a multi-piece plaster working mold? Imagine easily making multiple-size one-off molds to accommodate any teapot you throw!

This is perfect for M370 or Polar Ice (both have throwing and casting versions). Or, how would you like to be able to formulate a casting slip having the same appearance and degree of maturity as the throwing body you use? More information coming soon (based on the L4807 casting body).

Next, imagine casting the handles and spouts also. Information on how to draw and print them also coming soon.

Related Pictures

The mold-making technique we have always needed

I wanted an easy way to make molds for slipcasting handles that mate perfectly to any shape mug (or pitcher, teapot, etc). I want to pair cast with thrown or jiggered elements and join them using just slip (even when the clay is stiff). We have developed a flexible CAD design that puts 3D printing of case molds within the reach of almost anyone. It requires so little tooling it can be done in a kitchen using spoon mixing and a paper cup! These PLA shells, for example, print quickly to only 11 grams and they peel away from the plaster with a heat gun to give fine detail and perfect fit. Multiple cycles of redesign and print are practical to achieve just the right shape and fit. Cast handles can be produced in quantity and stored in a damp box, removing one of the biggest hassles in the production of handled ware. The feel of the handle is the first thing customers notice, even a hobbyist can now turn a "wet noodle" handle into something designed and utilitarian. You can get this drawing on the downloads page. Worried about mixing or tuning your own casting slip recipe? We have lots of help on doing that.

Standard 3/8 inch mold natch

Once you try these you will never go back to making molds without them. Unfortunately, these are not easy to get in North America. Or even online. But you can 3D print them yourself. This design interlocks with standard 3/8" natches used in industry. There are more aspects to printing and using these than meets the eye, here are some aspects to know:

-The base can be widened for sticking on the build plate better. If you need to print large numbers it might be advisable to use a glued plate to make sure they stick well.
-The inner edge is chamfered to ensure better insertion of the nipple.
-Print without infill for better strength.
-These are hollow, no support is needed.
-The bottom can be widened to stick better to the build plate.
-The ribs can be moved.
-A 9.8 mm hole is needed in the mold.

This cone 6 whiteware casts super-fast - learn why

A small cast beer bottle still in the mold

Rather than L4807 being just another cone 6 whiteware casting slip recipe we intend it as a pattern of the flexibility potters could have in making their own bodies. This deflocculates easily and casts with incredible speed. By understanding its simple recipe logic, the maturity, thermal expansion, plasticity, casting rate and fired color can all be configured.

Typical slips made from ball clay and talc (or mixes of common feldspars, clays and quartz) would take 20 minutes to get the needed thickness (assuming a new dry mold) but this one pours out in 12 minutes. We are used to extracting pieces in 30-60 minutes, with this clay I can extract in 10 minutes. In this case the secret is the recipe: It employs OptiKast Kaolin and KT#1-4 ball clay, both are large particled clay's targeted at slip casting.

Got a Question?

Buy me a coffee and we can talk