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About Project

In last month, we shared a case about casting a golden and a silver parrot prototype from DLP 3D printed master pattern. The client decided to make 100 pieces of golden parrots, and our engineers give their suggestions.

Plan A is casting the parrots with brass, and plan B is applying the centrifugal die casting technique with Zinc alloy. Zinc alloy has a lower melting point and lower density, which will be lighter and save a lot of shipping costs. In the meanwhile, the detail performance will be slightly impaired.

The client added more details onto its wings and make other revisions. We have made some wax samples and found the models have some deficiencies, so we advised the client to change the design of the parrot's foot.

Besides, the client required that there should be a steel rod sticking in the center of the parrot's front and back, and we raised the solution of making the rods with wire cutting technique, then connecting the rods and parrots with threading structure.

Solution

• Step 1: 3D print the master patterns with DLP printing technology, which can make delicate parts with rich details and a smooth surface. We use DLP Ultra Detail Resin which is accurate enough for printing miniatures except for jewelry.
• Step 2: Carefully clear the excess materials and supports of the 3D printed parrots using IPA and scissors. Post-cure the resin parrots and prepare them as master patterns for centrifugal casting.
• Step 3: Make the die casting mold from the resin parrots using heat-resistant silicon rubber. Fix the mold onto the centrifugal die casting machine, and pour the molten zinc alloy into the sprue.
• Step 4: After the cast zinc alloy parrots have been cooled down, we electroplate them with gold. Then drill the threads with a tapping machine.
• Step 5: Produce 10cm and 15cm long copper rods with wire cutting technique. Also, make the threading and try assembling them.