3D Printed Injection Molds (actually work)!

After making injection molds from silicone and resin+metal oxide, I finally tried making a straight resin 3D printed mold. Instead of using my regular 3D print resin, I tried Siraya Sculpt Ultra White (and later, regular Siraya Sculpt) and was very surprised by the results.
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LNS 150A INJECTION MOLD MACHINE:
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[@TheCrafsMan]

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.

[@user-ph5mj7ow6z]

Oo you got a autistic fan now boy o boy ya gonna get me goin now look whatcha dun did you son of a biscuit 🍪😂🤣

[@matambale]

"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.

[@mikehorvath9661]

I had to pause the video, I was laughing too hard from “the bear from Star Trek”

[@bellantij1980]

The exact comment I was looking for!! I ain't even mad at him. 🤣

[@TheCrossEyedGaming]

@UCBOnfeFSSliXQQJWHsHmJlw the "bear" is an ewok from Star Wars. Crafsman is just doing a little trolling Edit: he deleted his comment

[@Chris-B-Bacon]

That's some great trolling he's got right there 🤣

[@apeman505]

lol, with the amount of star wars figures he has, even if he was being serious about that comment he's still a bigger SW fan than all of us! :)

[@alexieldefanel]

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

[@EverythingArrowverse]

😂

[@Taskuvesku]

In my case, it was an ordinary cola i almost choked on. :'D

[@zach3360]

I laughed so hard the way he he cut it off too

[@BrothaJ2K]

He caught me off guard with that "Little bear from Star Trek" remark.🤣🤣🤣

[@CVerse]

U want a Sprite Cranberry?

[@Borgedesigns]

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!

[@The_Mimewar]

With lost casting, it’s already a reality!

[@tohneyteoh]

Imagine speed 3d printers. That would do away with injections moulds altogether.

[@claysimonson9831]

The revolution for having your own injection molder is already here! It is the start of open source injection molding and plastic manufacturing. Check out the Precious Plastic Community! community.preciousplastic.com/academy/build/injection This, coupled with Crafsman’s mold making is a big deal and is why I’m subscribed / lurking here. Learn how to run a wix or Shopify site, and boom you’ve got your own manufacturing and e-commerce site.

[@eric3dee]

Check out the Buster Beagle injection mold machine. Cheap to make, easy to build and works like a charm!

[@melanierhianna]

Injection moulding is already happening in the form of back room, short run, plastic kit manufacturing. Basically people are using engraving machines to create the moulds. Some of the kits I've made have been manufactured buy a single guy in his house for decades.

[@UncleJessy]

Been waiting on this one. Excited to see those results

[@TheCrafsMan]

Thanks, Uncle Jessy! :D Someone mentioned I should use your trick of UV curing a coat of resin over the print lines to get a smoother finish. That is slick!

[@Jobobn1998]

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!

[@thecorbies]

Same

[@accuset]

Same

[@Lucius.Hercules]

my thoughts EXACTLY

[@wildstreams4u]

gotta be that guy too.. same

[@jacobwood7083]

Gonna have to say same too. Why can't we have an A.I that ranks videos based on actual entertainment v.s interactions.

[@TheCrafsMan]

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.

[@SianaGearz]

I too started in Caligari trueSpace 3. But it was so liberating to discover Blender 2.0 beta in 2000 when browsing a book store or a library. trueSpace had no chance, it's anything but robust. By the way, there was Sculptris which was free and was now replaced by zBrush Core Mini which is also free. It's not as powerful as Blender sculpting but might just be comfy enough.

[@28mmRPG]

TrueSpace was my jam back in the late 90's/early 2000's cool to see you using it. Shame that Microsoft bought it and file-13'd it.

[@coler154]

do the donut tutorial by Blender Guru to learn the basics and key shortcuts for Blender, then watch Ian Hubert's videos for more advanced use cases.

[@bbalazs07]

I would be really interested in how this mold would work without the metal frame🤔

[@bbalazs07]

I got really interested in this type of resin, after a few hours of searching I found the "GulfSream Outdoors" youtube channel where the guy is making siraya tech sculpt molds without metal frame and he is pouring at high temp. He has a 3 part tutorial series where he is talking about the tips and trick of designing and printing these molds.

[@DullPoints]

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

[@luketfer]

Not gonna lie, that bought a big smile to my face seeing those happy tappy fingers.

[@binkysphinx]

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.

[@taylorhoward6411]

Do it! I dare ya!

[@UncleJessy]

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

[@jakethebaron7039]

for real he did a great job putting it all together.

[@facenameple4604]

The real question is, would it be good enough to make small-batch runs of HIPS minis! But some big-brain scientists actually figured out something even cooler. they figured out how to make a photocurable polystyrene out of styrene monomer(stabalized), polystyrene, and UV initiator. So it might be directly printable!

[@facenameple4604]

I've yet to get a resin manufacturer to respond to my inquiries about making even just a test-batch of it though, unfortunately. So I may just have to make it myself.

[@brightnovastar]

And the TrueSpace modeling software.... hmmm 🤔. I think I will download it.

[@Schroefdoppie]

Crafsman has 445K followers for a reason 😉

[@badboibubby1878]

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

[@eduardofarias5397]

For some reason, hearing that voice, I keep seeing the kind old ladies I used to talk to at the entrance of Walgreens in NOLA...

[@cryvengeance]

we have been blessed for another 20 minutes

[@DavidGuyton]

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

[@SecularMentat]

There's actually folks out there who mix sawdust with recycled plastic to make recycled plastic lumber like that.

[@TheCrafsMan]

HA! Mannn, I like how you think! ;)

[@Damicske]

There's a global shortage on plastic pallets, so currently see what you can get for a low price.

[@wYatt121509]

Great idea Dave! I can't afford the lumber to finish my back porch. Do you suggest resin print of fdm? In all seriousness though, funny comment.

[@theyank]

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

[@brigette3004]

How have I only just found this channel?! The muppet is so fun.

[@danielwhite4052]

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

[@cmdrsausage]

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!

[@robertgriffiths1724]

The little bear from star trek 🤣🤣🤣 Dino riders are correct Made my day crafman🖖

[@grimthereaper4254]

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

[@wolfnation100]

i love how soft injection molded plastic looks, it's a different kinda opaque from resin

[@Trainwheel_Time]

Its "injection molded". And that's just one kind of plastic. There are thousands of different resins.

[@wolfnation100]

@@Trainwheel_Time that's a typo, i meant injection, i don't really pay attention when i type half the time lol yeah though, there's a plastic or resin for practically any purpose, injection molded just has a nice soft look

[@TheIAmOmegaRed]

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!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Thank you! I hesitate sometimes to show injection molding stuff because I know it's not a widely-done thing, so comments like this are very encouraging.

[@doc_sav]

This is next level. I never would have thought injection molding could make sense for a hobbyist or very small business, but Crafsman is making it happen. I think videos taking longer to release if it takes longer to make them is just fine. The results are always worth the wait.

[@no.1_2u32]

I was in the process of saying “This is next level” in my head as I read this 😂! Now THAT is next level..

[@dbeane43]

I like the way you integrate all the techniques you've been using into these more advanced projects. Its like the payoff to watching a show ever everything comes together in the end. Love this channel.

[@argyleandplaidful]

"the little bear from Star Trek" had me crackin' up CrafsMan

[@xmetal280]

I am continually in awe of the depth and variety of knowledge that Crafsman shares with us. Seems like there are few creative realms where our host has not experimented at least a little. Love seeing these experiments and new adventures, it is inspiring. Thank you!

[@HexLabz]

This man makes me smile, and answers questions I didn't know I had yet. Wish I would have discovered this channel sooner!

[@lauripan517]

I appreciate (so much) all the details you share: your experience, techniques, suggestions, do and don't do, and the fun you have with it! I've watched this video 3 times today because I knew nothing of mold-making! Very interesting and I hope to try it some day soon!

[@_Fluffy]

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!

[@NefariousElasticity]

Hey Crafsman, don't sweat people saying injection molding isn't interesting to them because it's cost-prohibitive. It's still very cool and interesting stuff, and provides inspiration in a bunch of ways.

[@Dameinthewild]

Congratulations, Crafsman! I know this has been a big thing for you. So cool to see the progress. 😁

[@sebysb]

This is my favourite KZbin channel for crafting stuff. Your videos are easy to watch, yet I'm continually surprised by certain little tips you throw in as if it were nothing! Like how to pigment the pellets- I haven't seen that explained anywhere and I was concerned I wouldn't be an option. Thanks so much for all your great work!!! Stay crafty.

[@hullinstruments]

Watching your videos puts me in a good mood no matter how bad my day is. And re-watching them at bedtime helps me relax, Forget about my problems, and drift off to sleep. Thanks for all of your wonderful content. You and your family have been around for us these past few years that have been so hard on everyone. We love you guys!

[@badger273]

I can tell you're excited about this, I can't wait to see what you're able to do with this!

[@CurtSlaten]

"little bear from star trek"... I had to pause the video while I finished choking.

[@thiagoennes]

LOL, yes. Craftsman is trying to craft a riot.

[@Lastsight100]

Dino Riders baby....ooooh man I loved that toy line so much when I was a kid. I think I still have the movie on VHS.

[@xxxmamxxx]

I have absolutely no business watching any of these vids… I just enjoy listening to the Crafsman.

[@OtterpunkTV]

Thank you for continuing to share your wisdom, crafsman. Appreciate the thoroughness that goes into these videos.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

SO EXCITING!!

[@rocdocs]

Dude- your channel looks amazing. I am all over that like a cheap suit. Once I am done Craftin.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

@@rocdocs thanks so much! I think you might be interested in tomorrow’s video… 👀

[@StudioHannah]

Yay, a favorite KZbin channel crossover! Love your stuff, Brookes!

[@ProFireHazards]

I had this idea about a year ago, but never could afford the equipment to put it to the test. Thank you for making this! Its great to know that this can be done so much cheaper with mostly the same quality!

[@BRUXXUS]

WELL worth the wait on this one! I don't even have an injection molder or resin printer but this is still exciting. As always, the music, camera work, voiceover, and overall mood and atmosphere of this just makes me smile the whole time. 😊

[@ElDavePhoto]

Oh dang, I want to get some of that sriracha resin!

[@sofakingwrecked637]

This is the most relaxing channel on KZbin! We love you Craftsman!

[@Kajinku]

Sculpting, 3D scanning and making a mold of that is the future episode I’ve been waiting for! 🥳

[@MrTheMighty]

It's wonderful to see you getting so much joy out of that injection molding machine! The little friends you make with it are wonderful too!

[@Dizzula]

"The little bear from Star Trek" is gonna trigger some folks you know? :)

[@CatSamurai99]

I lol'd

[@DOCDOCFLAMINGOS]

Ahhhh Yes!!! I was like "Oh Snap!!!" "Craftsman sure just did get a double burn right quick !!!" I can hear all the keyboards just key key keying away as they all got set off ...

[@captaincrispy2184]

That was SO intentional :D

[@SchutzReborn]

"CAUTION wear you some gloves" lol brilliant!

[@Schroefdoppie]

All your molding efforts coming together in this one video right there Crafsman. There's a lot of potential here. Awesome! 👍👍

[@gigiwilliams1779]

The ridges look cool, Brother TCM! It’s like the little figure has its own fingerprints. 😇 I love you and Crafsfamily. I hope everyone is blessed!

[@BillMakingStuff]

Love the Little Bear episode in Star Trek... my favourite. Bravo Mr Crafs!

[@tetsuoswrath]

Crafsman I'm so happy that you stick with the 3d printing the molds. I knew you could do it. :{J

[@JayBirdJay]

Oh my goodness! I'm so excited for you Crafsman. You finally got your mold working exactly like you wanted!

[@jacobkudrowich]

"Parts will be more resillious" 🤣 I love this content

[@JayeNicki]

Too cool. And with because of you mostly, I purchased a 3D printer.

[@TheCrafsMan]

I hope you're enjoying it! :D So much can be done with them. :)

[@JayeNicki]

@@TheCrafsMan I am late with this reply but absolutely enjoying it. It is the best and make things so much easier.

[@drachezaku7919]

"the little bears from Star Trek" just killed me 😨😂😂😂

[@jpizzaj]

This may be one of your best videos yet! I've been excitedly waiting to see if you'd be able to make a 3d printed mold work for injection molding and this looks like it a great success! Love the music too!

[@magpieMOB]

Great to see your toy making options expanding along with your ingenuity! Both the 3D printing and injection moulding are a little beyond my reach right now, but maybe one day, and you've done so much to de-mystify the whole process, thanks Crafsman!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Thank you so much, Matt!

[@Nacthem]

Crafsman, first let me just say that the depths of your knowledge and your willingness to learn new things is extraordinary. Secondly, this episode had my favorite music tracks you've ever done. You throw an album up on band camp of your tracks and let people like me throw you a few dollars for our listening enjoyment.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

THIS IS IT!!!!! The video we’ve been waiting for!!

[@sophiarose03]

I love that you brought back the crafnation intro but also kept the steady crafting cut screen, I love them both!!!

[@JosiahLord]

I want you to narrate every show I ever watch from now on. Your voice is perfect. Don't change.

[@MakerMaddox]

Oh so excited to see what comes of this! The "A" figure is on my list as a must have haha! Also, obviously that wasn't even the right notebook 😉 (gotta send you a refresher pack for giving me the nudge to launch my Patreon)

[@TheCrafsMan]

:D Thank you so much for the encouragement! And I've used your delightful notebooks to the point where I gotta start writing on back pages. They are fantastic! :D

[@BenMillen]

"That little bear from star trek" 🤣🤣🤣 love it

[@mikehyde517]

......I didn't even mean to click on this video and watched it from start to finish. Thats is a 100% compliment

[@unistrut]

I don't have an injection molding machine, but I'm really enjoying watching you work with yours, especially these videos where you're trying to discover a new technique.

[@pjamestx]

3:57 HAH! That got an actual laugh out of me! 😂😂😂

[@jeffpanian]

LOL! "That little bear from Star Trek" hahaha. Thanks for the laughs

[@chwenhoou]

Congratulations, CrafsMan. I am so glad this turned out great. I am looking forward to seeing what's next for your figure-making empire.

[@Zickzag]

i love how much creative aplications people are coming up for 3d printers. They truly feel like a new medium that allows creators to do their thing the way they want to make it.

[@Mechanicoid]

i'm going to the store to find some little bears from Star Trek

[@popefacto5945]

"...little bear from Star Trek." TheCrafsMan Steady Trollin'...

[@davidobrien5656]

There is a company here in Boston that started doing this about 5 years ago. I work for a manufacture of an injection molding machine brand. They bought our machine which is an all electric style. And they have had complete success!

[@one_b]

I got a kick out of your excited finger drumming. I'm unlikely to ever injection mold anything but we all still like watching your process Crafsman. Love the work!

[@StarlahMutiny]

Wear you some gloves sticker is awesome!

[@rocdocs]

Good Saturday morning, Craftnation! Good morning, that little bear from Star Trek!

[@cheruboo]

"That little bear from Star Trek" 🤣🤣🤣

[@Culky]

I love that such an accessible, entertaining channel is talking about photogrammetry, 3d printing and injection molding.

[@ageoftheatom154]

Great video! I wonder if a fast way of getting a perfect fit would be to intentionally print your mold a bit smaller than the mold box, and then fill in the gaps by pouring in some liquid resin and hitting it with a UV light.

[@Chef_PC]

Crafsman poking the Star Wars bear with that “little bear from Star Trek” crack! 🤣

[@allstrange7495]

I'm so happy to see you figuring this out! I know this has been a bit troublesome in the past and knowing you got past it is really exciting

[@EyebrowsMahoney]

How did I miss these?! Awesome work Mr CrafsMan! I love seeing you excited and working on new projects. :)

[@Tbaecon]

Time to put off working for 21 minutes while i watch this.

[@PowersThatBe]

MY BAD! I spaced on the mold release reminder, I was still laughing from the paper shim solution.

[@gregrobinson918]

Crafsman you make me smile !! Love all of your videos, your style, your Vibes, and your Wisdom! Can't get enough!

[@ripvanstinkle]

What a genuinely great video. Equal parts informative and entertaining. Beautifully shot and edited. Instant subscribe. Can’t wait to watch more!

[@Parkulele]

SO PUMPED FOR THOSE LUMBER PRICES TO COME BACK DOWN!

[@BensMiniToons]

MEEEEE TOOOO!

[@Bordpie]

Excellent example of rapid tooling, an expanding application of AM, combining the speed and low(er) cost of AM for the tooling and the high throughput of tradtional mass production for batch production.

[@qeidren3215]

Love seeing you get all excited, Crafsman. Can't wait to see what you do next.

[@allstatejake]

Lol I laughed my a** off when you mentioned the little bear from star trek! Now the question is, was it intentional? Either way it made me laugh pretty hard. Got me interested in injection molds!

[@sclogse1]

It's a thing he does.

[@War-Jac]

I just hope Crafsman wore his dustmask.

[@Grey646]

I love this video! You simultaneously made me laugh a lot and got me hooked on trying out my own injection molding projects with 3d printed molds! Awesome! Funny and educational.

[@TheRealAlpha2]

WOO! I love seeing problems get solved like this. It might take a couple of steps to link one thing to another, but at least you have the workflow down. Truly the stuff of Maker Legends.

[@pjpaintsminis]

does this mean i'm gonna get some crafsman style miniatures to paint.

[@chrisclinton5424]

What type of paint for a little rubbery object?

[@pjpaintsminis]

@@chrisclinton5424 i guess we'd find out if he gave me some.

[@fredygump5578]

I prefer, "The moment of the finding of the truth!"

[@sharonc7031]

I've been away from your site for a while, but checking in I see you have accomplished another goal. How ingenious. You rock.

[@danthemakerman]

Very cool Crafsman! Looking forward to seeing where else you take this.

[@TheEgoify]

It bugs me how people don't acknowledge that his full name is apparently, "your host the carfsman"

[@za88y]

STOP!!! i cant watch your videos without laughing I had to rewatch it several times to understand the tutorial xD

[@jggraphx]

I love it when craft man get’s excited!! I have learned so much from your mold making videos over the years 🤩👍 Another great video!! 👏😎👍

[@derekdearborn9063]

I love the chilled out vibe you have to creation.