Simplified v2 AI-Inspired Mug Using OnShape

As good or better than previous Fusion 360 efforts

We redid this mold to apply new CAD methods using a new tool, OnShape. Consider the advantages over our v1 method.

-It has a hybrid standard plaster spare (although short) coupled with a 3D printed spout that fits down into the spare. The spout doubles as a cutting guide to enable a higher-quality lip.
-These prototype 3D printed case mold halves use far less PLA filament to print, they only weigh 105g (at 1.2mm wall thickness).
-The OnShape timeline is flexible, I can roll back and forth, disable individual steps and go down alternative paths from any point.
-No side rails are needed, this mold removes from the plaster using a heat gun.
-This employs our new v3 natch system.
-The matching edges are chamfered for easier splitting of the halves when the piece is ready to remove.
-The mating surfaces are flatter, no sanding is needed, the halves fit together really well (assuming plaster is poured with these molds sitting on a planar surface).
-The printing artifacts continue to present no problems, by the time pieces are glazed they are not visible. That being said, they do appear like wood grain if the glaze is transparent enough.

Related Pictures

AI-Assisted Mug and Handle Design v1

Perfect for slip-casting

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

This shape is one of many suggestions I got from MidJourney.com when I described what I needed. Consider the advantages of this for slip-casting:
-The piece has thick walls, that will help prevent warping during firing (enabling using a clay body that is highly vitreous).
-The shape, wide at the bottom to narrower at the top - and then a flared rim will also resist warping.
-The flat sides will be practical for applying ceramic transfers (this decoration can be done exactly that way). Of course, the transfer will have to be cut in a semi-circle to lay properly.
-The heavy handle should make it possible to cast the mug with the handle attached.
-The smaller foot ring sets it up off the table and should enable stacking.
This surface character will be possible using an opacified light-colored glossy oatmeal glaze - the pigment in an iron-bearing body should bleed through wherever the glaze is thinner (e.g. on contour edges like the rim).

v3 Shelled AI Mug Using OnShape

Available on the Downloads page

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

This differs from the v2 drawing (below) in that the plaster pouring cavity is formed by shelling (hollowing) the back side (v2 was formed on the front side, by revolving and sweeping the mug profile and extruding the side walls). This v3 shelling method has several advantages:
-No sketch offset or extrusion was needed to make the outer wall.
-Because the first action is to extrude everything as one solid mass, corners of outer 3D perimeter can be heavily chamfered (reducing the amount of plaster needed to fill the mold).
-The mug's outside geometry (offset inward by 0.8mm) is revolved, swept and bevelled by cutting into the block. Shelling to the same 0.8mm wall thickness, from the backside of the block, produces the cavity needed. This approach offers flexibility in the mold wall thickness (e.g. a good printer can handle 0.8mm thickness well, thus reducing print time and filament use).
-The last steps, after shelling, are chamfering the outside inner corner (where it needs to print thicker) and cutting the holes for the natches.
-Our v3 natch system continues to work well with this.

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Projects

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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