3D Printed Injection Molds (actually work)!

Steady Craftin videos are made with the help of DIRECT SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/steadycraftin (You'll also get access to the printable 3D scans of my original sculpted figures, MP3s, exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, shop discounts, and more.) My family and I are so grateful that I get to do this.

"Little bear from Star Trek" oh my Crafsman you targeting nerds (me) like a sharpshooter, that's hilarious stuff! "Nonflushtivity" that's a useful word right there.

Been waiting on this one. Excited to see those results

STUFF I FORGOT TO MENTION: - That PTFE lubricant I rubbed on the bottom of the vat (FEP film) keeps my 3D prints from sticking. If you do this, be sure not to leave excess lubricant. - The squid figure wad modeled in trueSpace 3D 7.6. It is unsupported and lacks the convenient features of modern modeling software, but I've used this program since 1998 and know the keyboard shortcuts. :) One day... I may learn Blender. (And Fusion 360.) - It is possible to use a 3D printed mold directly without the metal frames. I have NOT tried it with the Siraya yet (would need to re-print these molds, because the sides are angled). I did try it before on a rectangular mold printed in Elegoo Mars Water Washable resin. I used a metal washer where the nozzle meets the top of the 3D printed mold, and a metal plate behind the mold to distribute the clamp pressure. The mold did wind up cracking, but I was able to get a few pieces before that happened. STUFF I NEED TO TRY: - Mounting the 3D printed molds a bit proud from the aluminum frames. I made them flush because I figured to do otherwise would be just asking for the 3D printed molds to crack. However, now I'm thinking letting them protrude a slight bit may allow for a tighter fit, slight compression, and minimize flash. - Using Siraya printed molds straight, without metal frames. UPDATE: I tried this, and it works. I used a metal block between the mold and clamp. - Siraya Tech Sculpt CLEAR. I've been told the clear allows for a better post-cure, possibly resulting in an even stronger 3D printed mold.

I reckon injection molding is the next big thing for makers. With 3D printing and cheap CNC machines becoming better and better, its becoming possible for anyone to make their own moulds, which has always been a barrier of entry to injection moulding. Once molds are easy to make hopefully we will start seeing open source molding machines the same way we saw open source 3D printers, and injection molding will finally start to become avalible to home manufacturers!

“Little bear from Star Trek” I choked on my Cherry Coke. 😂🤣

1: How have I never seen this channel before today? 2: How does this dude put in so much personality into everything? I absolutely love it!

So many awesome things in this video! Tinkercad, shapr3D, resin 3D Printing, toy making!!

If lumber prices don't come back down...start 3D printing and injection molding it instead!

14:44 Those excited happy tappy fingers!! Truly the highlight of my day. I love seeing Crafsman so excited for toy making.

we have been blessed for another 20 minutes

“Or tha, uhh, lil’ bear from Sta’ Trek.” 😆

Lol, "lil bear from Star Trek". This is awesome. It has me dreaming about taking old Kenner Star Wars storm trooper and Ewok figures, creating molds for their arms, legs, torso and heads and then creating a massive number of copies for the coolest and most massive Battle of Endor diorama ever.

Glad you figured out a way to make molds without ordering the expensive tooled ones

I can feel your excitement when it all starts to come together. Congratulations Crafsman, its been a while bringing it all these different technologies together but its wonderful to see not only the quality of your results but how excited you are by them. Looking forward to what comes next as always. Stay safe!

SO EXCITING!!

“The little bear from Star Trek” is just too precious

Crafsman, I will likely never get to do this kind of work myself but I LOVE getting to watch you do it. Thank you so much for sharing all of your adventures, and making all of us feel like such a big part of them!

Industrious upgrade. Like how you handled the CAD. Maybe we can get some key ring characters from you. Thanks for the video.

I’ve been printing for about three years now and I’ve been following plenty of channels for tips and tricks, but how have I only just now found yours? These are really interesting and informative and at the same time funny and entertaining. I love how you come across explaining everything and the editing you do for your videos is great!