Casting with metal is multifaceted, and usually includes numerous, careful steps. At Shapeways, the process is accompanied by modern technology like 3D printing to make wax patterns for building plaster molds. Sprues are added so that metal can flow through, as the initial wax is melted and drained, thus explaining the term lost wax casting.
Once the metal cools and is solidified, the plaster is broken away from the mold. The metal product is detached, and from there, post-processing begins. This may include tumbling to polish the metal piece, or where applicable, it may be plated; for example, metals like Brass can be plated in Gold or Rhodium.
This material is made up of a copper alloy containing 15% zinc, 5% tin and 80% copper. Used for products with intricate details, Brass tarnishes but can be polished for a shiny surface with a professional, finished look and feel. This material is available in Gold Plate and Rhodium also. Both Natural and Polished finishes are available.
Brass is suitable for applications like prototypes, jewelry, home accessories, and miniatures.
For this material, 3D models must meet the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
A copper-tin alloy, 10% tin and 90% copper, Bronze is famous for its deep red color. This metal also presents a marbling effect, with silver highlights that offer a vintage look. Used for products with intricate details, Bronze tarnishes but can be polished for a like-new surface. Both Natural and Polished finishes are available.
Bronze is suitable for applications like jewelry, fashion, home decor, and prototypes.
For this material, 3D models must meet the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
Featuring the well-known red-orange hue which oxidizes over time, copper parts can be 3D printed in Lost Wax Casting with intricate details. The end product offers a professional, finished look and feel which is also corrosion resistant due to the continued oxidation process. Both Natural and Polished finishes are available.
With Lost Wax Casting, Copper is suitable for applications like prototypes, heat accessories, and marine accessories.
For this material, 3D models must meet the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
A premium metal used primarily for creating fine jewelry, Gold is available in yellow, white, rose, 14K and 18K. This is one of the highest quality materials Shapeways offers, and it is recommended for parts with intricate details and a professional, finished look and feel.
For this material, 3D models must meet the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
An extremely high-quality material, popular for making upscale jewelry, Platinum is made up of 95% Platinum and 5% Ruthenium. Used to showcase parts with intricate details, this material offers a professional, finished look and feel.
For this material, 3D models must be within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
A high-quality Sterling Silver alloy, at 92.5% silver, this material is used for jewelry as well as other skin-safe applications. Sterling Silver allows for intricate details to be included in parts, accompanied by a professional, finished look and feel. Silver tarnishes, but can be polished for a shiny surface. This material is also softer and more malleable with thinner structures.
Silver is available in Natural, Polished, Fine Detail Polished, and Antique finishes.
For this material, 3D models must be within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
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