First v1 Plaster Mug Case Mold

Extracted from 3D-printed block mold

The actual mold (top left) vs 3D drawn one (lower). The case mold (top right) separated from the 3D print easily. The taped-together join between top and bottom sections of the 3D print is invisible. An advantage of making plaster case molds, vs flexible rubber, is the extra opportunity to smooth surfaces and fix defects (this case mold has some small surface defects at the top of the handle, these are easy to remove from the plaster case mold or the working molds. The rigidity of the plaster case mold enables the use of 3D printed rails having a flange that goes under the edge all the way around, this reduces issues with potential plaster leakage.

Related Pictures

Closeup of the polygon surface of a cast mug

This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.

This is L4023F (a test body like our H440 cone 10R body). The polygons on this surface are produced when the 3D CAD software converts from its native format to an STL file that slicer software can use. These are the product of the default settings (which can be changed but increase file size). The precision of the 3D printer is evident in that it can reproduce these. Since the polygons are not visible in the final glazed piece, neither the PLA surface on the 3D printed block mold, or the surface of the plaster case mold made from it, were sanded.

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Coffee Mug Slip Casting Mold via 3D Printing
A potter can now use AI, 3D CAD, 3D printing and custom clay bodies to slip-cast beautiful quality stoneware pottery mugs. It is efficient and practical.

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