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FrankenMauser · September 5, 2018, 11:07 AM

Yes, it can be done.
But, "easily" seems to be a matter of perspective and experience.

I've seen a lot of people attempt lost-PLA (or lost-ABS) casting, only to give up before achieving the desired result.
At the same time, I have seen some people successful with the process. But every one of them had previous casting experience.

Ironically, at least from what I've seen, nearly all people with casting experience give up on lost-PLA casting and redesign their parts to work with split molds and green sand. (Or just give up on the lost-PLA and return to green sand for future parts.)

My personal opinion is that if you're going to be casting the parts, you might as well just design for green sand. Less headache. Less mess. Less time. And you can make your patterns from wood, plaster, bondo, or even old bread.
Parts cast in a backyard or garage will nearly always have to be machined, no matter the process used. So why waste time with 3D printing and the additional time and steps required for lost-PLA?

September 5, 2018, 11:07 AM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Yes, it can be done. But, "easily" seems to be a matter of perspective and experience. I've seen a lot of people attempt lost-PLA (or lost-ABS) casting, only to give up before achieving the desired result. At the same time, I have seen some people successful with the process. But every one of them had previous casting experience. Ironically, at least from what I've seen, nearly all people with casting experience give up on lost-PLA casting and redesign their parts to work with split molds and green sand. (Or just give up on the lost-PLA and return to green sand for future parts.) My personal opinion is that if you're going to be casting the parts, you might as well just design for green sand. Less headache. Less mess. Less time. And you can make your patterns from wood, plaster, bondo, or even old bread. Parts cast in a backyard or garage will nearly always have to be machined, no matter the process used. So why waste time with 3D printing and the additional time and steps required for lost-PLA? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.