M2 SLA 3d printing to customize a 1.2 meter height sculpture

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that uses light to cure a liquid resin into solid objects layer by layer. It is capable of producing highly detailed and accurate parts with smooth surface finish, making it a popular choice for creating sculptures and other aesthetic models. In this project, we will explore how SLA was used to customize a 1.2 meter height sculpture.

sla 3d printed sculpture character

The project was commissioned by a local art museum, which wanted to showcase a unique piece of artwork in its upcoming exhibition. The artist had already designed the sculpture using traditional sculpting methods, but it needed to be scaled up significantly to fit the museum’s requirement. Additionally, the sculpture had some intricate details, which would have been difficult to reproduce using traditional casting or machining techniques.

M2 prototype team decided to use SLA 3D printing to create a custom mold for the sculpture. First, we scanned the original sculpture using a 3D scanner, which generated a digital file of the object. Then we imported the file into a computer-aided design (CAD) software, where we scaled it up to the desired size and made any necessary adjustments to ensure that it could be printed successfully. Once the CAD model was finalized, we exported it to a slicing software, which prepared the model for printing. The slicing software calculated the tool paths for the printer, determining how the laser would move to cure the liquid resin into solid layers. Our team chose a high-resolution printer with a large build volume to accommodate the size of the sculpture.

Our SLA 3d printer started producing the mold layer by layer, curing the liquid resin with precision as it moved along each axis. Our team monitored the printing process closely, ensuring that there were no errors or defects in the mold. We also added support structures to the mold in strategic locations to prevent it from collapsing during the printing process.

Once the mold was complete, our team removed it from the printer and carefully cleaned off any excess resin. We then poured molten wax into the mold, which solidified and took on the shape of the sculpture. This was done to create a wax pattern, which would later be used to make a plaster mold for casting the final sculpture in bronze.

The wax pattern was carefully removed from the mold, and any imperfections were corrected before it was sent to a foundry for casting. The foundry used the wax pattern to create a plaster mold, which was heated to remove the wax and create a cavity for the bronze to be poured into. The bronze was melted and poured into the mold, allowed to cool and harden, and then removed from the plaster to reveal the final sculpture.

The finished sculpture was an exact replica of the original, with all the intricate details and smooth surface finish captured perfectly. It was installed at the museum and received great acclaim from visitors and critics alike.

SLA 3D printing was instrumental in creating a custom mold for a 1.2 meter height sculpture, which was later used to cast the final piece in bronze. The technology allowed us to scale up the original design while maintaining its intricate details and smooth surface finish. It also enabled our team to produce the mold quickly and accurately, saving time and reducing costs compared to traditional casting methods. The end result was a stunning piece of art that impressed everyone who saw it. 3D printing rapid prototyping is really a quick way to bring your design into reality in a costtive way.