We are excited to let you know that cast metal parts are available through our self-serve check out — the quickest and easiest way to access high-quality solid metal parts in eight different metals and alloys. Part of our ongoing mission is to provide access to the best parts for the most people, and our self-serve system provides a seamless process that reduces barriers to access and keeps our costing highly competitive.
Understanding Metal Casting
Cast metal manufacturing is a time-tested process that forms metal parts by pouring molten material into a mold, allowing it to cool and solidify. This technique is prized for its ability to create intricate designs, high-strength components, and custom metal parts at scale. By combining modern 3D printing with traditional lost-wax casting, manufacturers can achieve complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible with conventional methods. Industries such as jewelry, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing rely on metal casting for both decorative and functional applications.
Quick Access to Multiple Metals
At Shapeways we firmly believe in offering our clients direct transparency and instant quoting without waiting times or human intervention. By having our own dedicated inhouse software development, we are uniquely positioned to provide you with direct pricing for your projects. Â We are therefore happy to announce that, as of right now, Shapeways cast metals are live again on our self serve check out. This will be especially helpful for jewelry and accessory designers. From now on, you can get direct quotations and order online again for the following materials:
- Brass
- Bronze
- Silver
- Copper
- Yellow Gold
- White Gold
- Rose Gold
- Vermeil
This comes on top of our Nylon 12 SLS and MJF materials plus our Visijet Material Jetting technologies that were already available for direct online ordering. For most materials, different finishes, plating and karat options can be selected as well. Cast metals at Shapeways combine the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing with the lost-wax casting process developed by humans thousands of years ago.Â
Advantages of Cast Metals
When it comes to cast metals, 3D printing has the advantage of being able to make complex shapes with interlocking parts that would be impossible using traditional processes. Here’s how metals are cast: A wax rendering of the 3D model comes out of the 3D printer, then plaster flows around the wax to make a mold. Once the plaster sets, the wax gets melted out of the mold and molten metal gets poured in. Once the metal cools, the plaster is broken away. The metal will be polished and, if applicable, plated.
Shapeways offers a variety of different other technologies for 3D printing with metal, including metal Binder Jetting and Material Jetting, as well as providing a range of resources to foundries for 3D printing molds. Specialized additive manufacturing services are also available for any project. For more information, please reach out to our sales department here.
Jules Witte
COO
