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Upper left: If this mold is too big for a 3D printer or needs to be reusable then it must be printed in two halves (with flanges for clamping). Here is how to create the vertical flanges on the ends.
The secret is revolving twice, once with the wall and flange and a second time using a cut operation with only the flange.
Top right: The sketch is visible and includes both the 0.8mm wide mold wall (and top flange) and the vertical 5mm wide vertical flange.
Bottom left: Both flange and wall are being rotated as a new body 180 degrees (-180 for the back half).
Bottom right: The flange itself is being revolved with partial extent type, and from two sides, using the cut operation and from -179.3 to 0.7 degrees. How did I know these numbers? Experimentation. The Fusion 360 Inspect menu has a measure tool. I kept trying different numbers until I got a flange about 1.2mm wide.
This method could also be used for three or more pieces. Also for one piece that can be opened enough on one side to release (using an initial 359.5 degrees and that a second cut to leave the two flanges).
Available on the Downloads page
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It is beyond amazing that this is possible at home now! Follow Lily, step-by-step as she uses Fusion 360 to create all of this in 9 minutes!
A newer larger 3D printer made this type of mold much more practical (and it adds the ability to make a clamping baseplate). This procedure that will work for jiggering almost any closed shape. 3D print the shell mold for the outside shape of the bowl, cast a plaster model in it and tool and soap it for a perfect surface. Then 3D print the shell of the outside of the jigger mold (full or flanged clamped halves). Invert both onto a clamping baseplate, stick the model down using a sticky clay slip and use the correct spacer ring to center the model inside the shell mold. Pour it full of plaster to make a working mold. Finally, adjust the hole locations on the template to mount on the jigger arm and 3D print it. You will be amazed at the cutting edge of the template, and the quality it can produce.
Glossary |
Mold Shell Flange
Learning to create flanges in CAD design enables a new kind of DIY mold-making for ceramics: 3D-printed lightweight reusable molds that clamp together. |
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