B9Creations Design, Support, & 3D Print

Design, Support & 3D Print

Using 3D print preparation software, like B9Create, supports are added to a design to ensure sections are printed properly. For successful prints, supports hold up overhangs as well as make sure the print is adhered to the build table. Prints require supports under large surface areas that can be prone to suction or sinking. Each added support requires manual removal to reveal the printed object – the less supports you add, the less time consuming post-processing will be.

 

Support Removal & Post-Curing

Supports can be removed prior to the curing stage. During this time, the print is softer and easier to manipulate – supports can easily and smoothly be removed with a pair of clippers or tweezers.

Curing 3D printed models is achieved through methods using varying combinations of light and heat.

To facilitate a clean burnout, B9Creations casting resins must be thoroughly cured in a post-curing unit, such as the B9 Model Cure – which uses UV LED light with wavelengths from 390-410 nm.

Place your printed piece in a small container of water while post-curing – water acts as an oxygen inhibitor, decreasing cure time and increasing cure penetration. To ensure an even post-cure, it’s important that you remember to rotate your 3D printed part periodically throughout the post-curing process. For desired results using the B9 Model Cure, we recommend curing smaller models for 10 minutes and larger models for 20 minutes.

Sprue to Casting Tree

First, take a minute to imagine how the liquid metal will flow through your castings – pay attention to areas where your pieces go from thick to thin, sprue them from the thickest area to make sure they will fill with liquid metal, and to reduce shrinkage porosity on the piece.

Some expansion will inevitably occur when applying heat – spruing in excess (or over-spruing) will help relieve pressure during this expansion. Sprue your 3D printed resin model onto your tree with wax – wax will burn out quicker and allow room for expansion.

Burnout

If at this point you’ve closely followed each of the preceding steps, our jeweler-approved burnout schedule will produce repeatable, flawless casting results in metals of silver, gold, platinum and more! For best results, be sure to ventilate your oven chamber and follow our recommended burnout schedule below.

1. Place flask into a cold oven.
2. Gradually raise oven temperature to 300°F – hold for 3 hours.
3. Raise oven temperature to 700°F – hold for 1 hour.
4. Raise oven temperature to 1350°F – hold for 4 hours.
5. Lower oven temperature to 1000°F – hold for at least 1 hour prior to pouring metal.

Prepare Investment

For best results, always follow the instructions provided with your chosen investment.

Cast

Carefully remove your flask from the oven chamber.

B9Creations Yellow Resin leaves no ash, but this is not guaranteed with other casting resins. If your 3D printed part contains any remaining ash at this stage, vacuum it out of the investment to avoid flaws in your finished piece. Now, the piece is ready to be cast in your desired metal!

Polishing & Finishing

Once casting is complete, submerge your flask in water to wash away the investment.

Use a magnetic tumbler or alternative polishing chamber to refine your completed designs, and perfect your piece with hand finishing.