Aluminum fidget spinner for lost PLA casting

thingiverse

This is my non professional approach to extend 3D printing for myself to create metal objects using the "lost PLA" method. I try to write up the way which worked for me, including the objects I used for printing. This is not intended for direct replicating; if you choose to do so, do it responsibly and at your own risk! I skip steps which are obvious if you already know how to melt and pour aluminum; I try to outline what I had to learn. #1: print the models attached in PLA; only 1 perimeter and 5% infill #2: glue together with hotglue, like shown in 3D screenshot pouring basin is inspired by this thing from VegOilGuy: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3619744 #3: add drinking straws as vents, like you can see in the image of the cast incl. sprue #4: paint on thin layer of watery plaster mix and let dry for better detail reproduction #5: pour plaster for with 50:50 plaster and sand mix for better thermal and structural stability #6: let dry over night #7: burn - out - process; what I gathered from instructables and youtube video... 2h @ 100°C 1h @ 200°C 2h @ 450°C ...worked for me. #8: ...melting aluminum and pouring it... since I have only one diy electric kiln which I had to use for burn out of plaster and melting of aluminum: probably the plaster form was too cold when pouring, which resulted in "almost incomplete" filling when you look at the vents. Think I was just lucky ;-) Even if I'm a couple of years late with a fidget spinner: no sharp corners, somewhat even cross - sections were just a good starting point for lost PLA :-)