45 days Major Challenge: the big size sculpture with extremely complicated texture and details. Step One: We sculpt the pattern of the sculpture. Step Two: For normal project, a sculpture project at this scale requires sand casting technique. However, since this sculpture features so much texture, we decide using lost wax casting. We make silicon rubber mold and wax from it. All texture and details has to be perfect.
Also, I will use a project we recently accomplished to show you the process step by step. Step 1: Creating 3D model Overall, there are two ways to create 3D model. 3D Scanning Digital Modelling 3D Scanning Digital Modelling Use 3D laser scanner to scan the physical object to generate a digital model of the sculpture. If you’ve already sculpted a sculpture maquette, you can have it 3D scanned it. The scanned model has to be refined and remodeled before 3D Printing. Below is a photo of the 3D Scanner we use for scanning.It is a four lens scanner with scanning accuracy 0.015MM. Use computer software to create the digital model virtually.
Here is our work flow. Step One: Making the pattern. We use modern 3D printing technology to make the pattern from a digital model our client provides us. Step Two: Making silicon rubber mold Step Three: Make Wax Step Four: Cast stainless steel and polish
Above are the most often used 3D modelling software. In another tutorial, I am going to demonstrate how to choose the right software.
MEM: It features high strength and low cost. The accuracy is not very high. SLS: It can print out different material, even metal. SLA: It is useful for small sized works. Accuracy is acceptable. After data processing, we 3D print out the digital model.
he left is stainless steel casting. It looks silver like after proper surface treatment and finishing. The middle is bronze casting. It looks more “traditional” . The right is aluminum casting. Aluminum casting is more and more employed nowadays to replace bronze for a couple of reasons.
