Blog

Combining 3D Printing and Lost Wax Casting to Make a 3D Puzzle - Core77

Creative craftsman Seth of Robinson Foundry makes things out of metal that would be difficult or impossible to machine the traditional way. As an example, these bolts with zigzag threads:

He then struck upon the idea of creating a rather unique maze, or a sort of three-dimensional combination lock: Injection Molding Chair

Combining 3D Printing and Lost Wax Casting to Make a 3D Puzzle  - Core77

The point is to get the nut, which has a protrusion on the inside, all the way along the shaft by rotating and advancing it:

So how did he make them? Using the lost wax casting process, but with PLA rather than wax. After designing the shape in CAD, Seth 3D-printed models of both the nut and bolt.

Here's a look at his process:

This 3D maze is not a new idea. It has been sold for years, called "dael o ring" and it is manufactured by injection molding.

Credit where it's due for making it out of bronze, but the Labryinth Gift Box has been on Thingiverse since December 2013. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:201097

Why bother with the investment casting? Seems like overkill for a puzzle.

Test it out; it only takes a single click to unsubscribe

soft goods design firm, softgoods design firm, soft goods designer, softgoods designer, soft goods industrial designer, softgoods industrial designer, technical...

Design brief: create a distinctive, scalable "shop within a shop" in a variety of sizes that stand out from...

Routers are a pain to use; either they’re too slow, hard to use, and/or allow your IP to snoop and...

Kabata smart weights are an automated adjustable-weight dumbbell set for strength training.

Speck Design was approached by Noah Medical to design a galaxy system arm that could move through its expected range...

Prime worked with Food52's CEO, Amanda Hesser, and our manufacturing partner, Genimex, to design Five Two by Food52's first own...

Don't have an account? Join Now

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use

Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.

Combining 3D Printing and Lost Wax Casting to Make a 3D Puzzle  - Core77

Plastic Injector Test it out; it only takes a single click to unsubscribe