Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

PLA 3D printed mould?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic40370.aspx

By Adder - 12/25/2021 10:32:24 AM

Hey everybody!

After printing the mould. Grinding is probably necessary, but what are the next steps? filler? What?

I have PVA, wax and CR1 Easy-Lease Chemical Release Agent, which one is best?

Polyurethane Resin to make handles.

By SleepingAwake - 12/29/2021 3:21:01 PM

Warren (Staff) - 12/29/2021 12:02:02 PM
As PLA is not great for releasing from, you may want to coat with epoxy resin, then sand smooth and polish to a gloss.  You would then have a non-porous smooth surface ready to take any release agent. If casting the PU resin, then go with the CR1 for ease of use. 

I actually printed all my tooling from PLA so far and never had any issues. I used a wax release agent. Never aimed for a very good finish tho so always had a heavy coating of wax on it.