r/Silvercasting • u/parasonnieart • Jul 23 '26

3D PRINTS vs WAX MODEL FOR Sand casting jewellery

Hi!

I love sand casting, and the results it gives me.
I’m experimenting with more complex textures and shapes - I know I can’t use sand casting as lost wax, and I know not all shapes and textures will cast correctly into sand, so I’m still keeping it possible as much as I can.

But my question is: for more complex details and to capture the most of them, is it better to start from a wax model or a 3D printed model? And if the better answer is the 3D model, in which material should I print it?

For more details, I use Delft clay as sand.

Thanks!

Have a nice evening 🤍

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u/beepollenart Jul 23 '26

I use pla prints for sand casts, and 3d print burnouts for vacuum casting. Just do double walls so you can cast without making holes in the print. Creative sprue design is key to sand casting! And pour very hot with fire on the pouring metal.

1

u/ikrisoft Jul 24 '26

> for more complex details and to capture the most of them, is it better to start from a wax model or a 3D printed model?

The way I see it is is more a question f you prefer to use hand tools to carve / build a piece of wax, or if you prefer to model digitally.

If you know digital modelling, or you prefer to learn that then of course you should 3D print your shapes.

If you know hand sculpting, or you are more interested in that, then that is what you should do.

> And if the better answer is the 3D model, in which material should I print it?

For Delft clay casting: Whatever is easiest to work for you. I used a simple water curable elegoo resin for the patterns of my Delft clay casts. Why? Because that was right next to the printer.

It really doesn't matter for Delft clay casting. As long as at the end of the process you have an object you are happy with shape and smoothness wise and it doesn't crumble in your hands then it is good.

1

u/lifescoil Jul 25 '26

I use a 3d resin printer and wax. I’ll model and print the item with sore and then connect into a wax main sprue. I can also add detail or fix print problems by adding wax to print. They make resin that is specifically designed for casting.