Hybrid (3D printing + casting)
What is Lost-Wax Casting and how does it work?
Jewelry and precision metal parts made by burning out a pattern printed in castable resin or wax inside a plaster mold and pouring metal in its place.
Precision casting from 3D printed patterns (Lost Wax Casting)
Lost-wax casting is a method thousands of years old; 3D printing speeds it up and offers unlimited geometry. The pattern is printed with SLA in castable resin or wax, arranged on a tree and embedded in plaster (investment). In the furnace the pattern burns out completely, leaving a cavity into which molten silver, gold, brass or bronze is poured. TAİ Robotik takes on the pattern stage of this process with SLA.
| Typical tolerance | ±0.1 – 0.2 mm (small parts) |
|---|---|
| Pattern layer thickness | 25 – 50 µm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.6 – 1 mm (depending on metal) |
| Surface | Depends on pattern quality; mirror finish with polishing |
| Materials | Silver, gold, platinum, brass, bronze, copper |
Process
Lost-Wax Casting step by step
- 01
The pattern is printed in castable resin with SLA.
- 02
Patterns are arranged on wax sprues in a tree.
- 03
The tree is coated with plaster investment.
- 04
The pattern is burned out in the furnace, leaving a cavity.
- 05
Molten metal is poured; the plaster is broken, parts are cut off and polished.
Advantages
- Unlimited design freedom in jewelry
- One-off production without molds
- Real precious metal
Limitations
- Multi-step, labor-intensive process
- Cost tied to metal prices
- Very fine details can be lost in casting
Best suited for
- Rings, pendants and jewelry
- Figurines and medallions
- Small precision metal parts
Design
Lost-Wax Casting design guidelines
- Minimum wall thickness0.6 – 1 mm
- Smallest detail0.3 mm
- Minimum hole diameterØ 0.8 mm
- Overhang angleFor the pattern, ≥ 30° from horizontal; flatter surfaces need support
- Clearance for moving parts0.3 mm
- Text and logosEmbossed ≥ 0.35 mm
Surface and assembly
Post-processing
- Cutting sprues
- Sanding and polishing
- Plating (rhodium, gold)
- Stone setting
Materials
Materials printed with Lost-Wax Casting
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about Lost-Wax Casting
What is Lost-Wax Casting?
Lost-wax casting is a method thousands of years old; 3D printing speeds it up and offers unlimited geometry. The pattern is printed with SLA in castable resin or wax, arranged on a tree and embedded in plaster (investment). In the furnace the pattern burns out completely, leaving a cavity into which molten silver, gold, brass or bronze is poured. TAİ Robotik takes on the pattern stage of this process with SLA.
How does Lost-Wax Casting work?
The pattern is printed in castable resin with SLA. Patterns are arranged on wax sprues in a tree. The tree is coated with plaster investment. The pattern is burned out in the furnace, leaving a cavity. Molten metal is poured; the plaster is broken, parts are cut off and polished.
What applications is Lost-Wax Casting suitable for?
Lost-Wax Casting is especially suitable for rings, pendants and jewelry, figurines and medallions, small precision metal parts.
How accurate are Lost-Wax Casting parts?
Typical tolerance is ±0.1 – 0.2 mm (small parts). The exact value depends on the machine, material and part geometry.
Let's talk about your project
Send us your idea and any design you have; our project support team will get back to you as soon as possible.