3D Print to aluminum metal casting, I wish I knew this before!

In this video I experimented the first time with lost PLA metal casting, I used as always recycled aluminum scrap for this project, I created in the past x2 3d printings using photogrammetry method of two statues, since then I created various sizes of the statues 3d printings but always wanted to have them from a more solid material. I decided to make an experiment with four hollow 3d printed patterns, x2 in 2mm shell thickness and x2 in 1mm shell thickness. My assumption was correct where the two 2mm aluminum casting failed and the other two in 1mm turned out much more successful.
Enjoy the video and don't forget to Like, Subscribe or drop me a comment below ;-)
You are also welcome to visit my aluminum casting blog for more projects:
www.flamingfurnace.com/

[@sierraecho884]

I can see a couple of problems here. Maybe my 2 cents for a better result in the future.
1. Try using a different alloy. Al is not really great for detailed castings use zinc (ZAMAC) or if you want to keep using Al use castable alloys.
2. To capture more details use investment plaster or dry wall compound and thinly cover your parts before placing them in sand. This way you will get a hard outer shell capturing more details.
3. Pouring basin with proper sprue was missing, so was a riser and a spin trap. This can in general improve your casting results.
Tell me what you think.

[@MattUFL]

Nicely done. Good info regarding PLA thickness and the need to add a base to the PLA.

[@dekutree64]

Interesting technique. More like lost foam casting than lost wax. Would be interesting to try with foaming PLA to hopefully vaporize more quickly.

[@BarcombeBoy]

What is the crazy Roland TB303 music on this video? Its certainly not one of the two listed sources in 'more'.

[@blakewise5588]

WOW Great job. That is incredible!

[@Flamingfurnace]

Thank you.