3D Print Mold Glass Blowing

Rough cut of video from research project investigating 3D printed mold-making for hot glass. For more info and details, check out www.timothy-belliveau.com/
Quick background: I am a glassblower and co-founder of Bee Kingdom Glass now working on an MFA at Concordia University doing research in 3D print, rendering and animation. The project above was completed with support from Concordia University's Hexagram program.

[@mschmidty40]

Great.

[@davidseth2406]

That is awesome! Do you mind sharing what material was used with your printer? I’ve been considering this, but have been concerned with the mold melting. Thanks in advance!

[@timbelliveau2165]

Hi David, I used Shapeways' 3D printed metal for this, so its not from my printer (sadly - I would love to have one but they are $$$$). Thanks for the kudos.

[@LuPercyChux]

what was your wall thickness for he mold?

[@eliblessed]

I know I am replying to an OLD comment, but I am working on a 3d printed pineapple mold. If you have the setup for a glass furnace, then you have 90% of the setup for a metal foundry. Just take your PLA mold and cast it in aluminum (lots of tutorials on casting on youtube).

[@timbelliveau2165]

@@eliblessed Hi Eli- late reply for me too- thanks for mentioning this. That's a great method and I've had a chance to try it as well. For me it all depends on the resources you're working with- on this project, I had funding for the print but access to renting a glass studio for just a few hours + no studio for plaster casting, or kiln for melting the PLA out.