Simple cross mold for pewter casting

thingiverse

This mold design features a simple cross shape using an insert for a string or chain hole. The ABS material was used in a 18-gram mold, printed with 0.20mm Z layers on an Afinia printer for 70 minutes. However, the initial casting resulted in pockmarks due to overheated melt poured at around 510F. To prevent this issue, the next pour will be done at a lower temperature of 480-490F. The defects occurred as the cross section faced overheating and gassing off before the pewter solidified, leaving pockmarks in the casting. Additionally, the two sides of the small flat mold were welded together at the sprue, making it difficult to separate. A steel pin from a coathanger serves as an insert for the cross. The pin is easy to remove using pliers and can be replaced with a larger one or soldered with low-temperature solder. For this particular mold, clamping was not used; instead, ABS cement was applied around the edges to avoid deforming the casting. The runner/sprue system was designed for controlled flow of liquid metal and minimal turbulence. Remember to follow all safety precautions when casting pewter.