Slip Casting

3-D Manufacturing Description/Standards

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of clay sculpting and mold making basics.
  • 1a. Understand how to make clay prototypes are made by carving, hand building and wheel throwing.
  • 1b. Understand how 3-D pieces are manufactured using slip casting methods.
  • 1c. Understand how to make plaster molds to reproduce clay forms
  • 1d. Make multiple reproductions of various clay pieces.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in silicon mold making.
  • 2a. Understand real world applications of silicon molds in dentistry, metal casting, and the entertainment industry.
  • 2b. Create an oil-based clay prototype for reproduction.
  • 2c. Make a silicon mold, and cast the prototype in resin.
  • 2c. Make multi-piece molds and resin cast pieces.

  • 3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills of injection molding.
  • 3a. Properly prepare molds and parts for injection molding.
  • 3b. Reproduce objects using an injection mold machine.
  • 3c. Create original molds for injection molded reproductions.

  • 4. Understand 3-D CAD and sculpting software
  • 4a. Understand the vocabulary of 3-D software and printing.
  • 4b. Understand and use CAD software to create virtual 3-D objects.
  • 4c. Understand and use sculpting software to create virtual 3-D sculptures.
  • 4d. Understand and use an SLA 3-D printer to make computer generated virtual objects real.
  • 4e. Make multi-piece 3-D prints that "key" together to make a single part.

  • 5. Understand and use metal fabrication machines.
  • 5a. Understand software to create pieces for Plasma cutting..
  • 5b. Use PlasmaCam to cut parts to be welded into a 3-d object.
  • 5c. Use Metal Lathe to create prototype parts to be molded.

    • The teacher demonstrates how to prepare a plaster mold for casting. (Banding and positioning)

    Slip (liquid clay) is poured in the mold until it's full. Then the mold is tipped and turned to ensure all air locks have been removed.

    After a designated time (depending on the thickness of clay required, the slip consistency and dryness of the mold) slip is poured back out of the mold. The mold is then left to dry in an appropriate position so that any running slip will not produce extra weight in a bad place.

    The next day (or after enough time to allow the slip to firm up) the mold is opened and the piece taken out. The piece is cleaned, chased, deflashed, and finished to await firing. After bisque firing the piece can be glazed or painted.



    Evaluation:
    3 points -- Completeness of the cast (no holes or bubbles)
    2 points -- No distortion
    5 points -- Finished and cleaned nicely
    10 points