Stuck Epoxy Blank in 3D Printed Mold

[jbgifford]

Had a friend print a 4 wide mold. Tried it with epoxy resin and now i can't get the blanks out. Tried drilling hole in the bottom for compressed air. I did apply mold release. And suggestions on how to demold would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JohnU]

Unfortunately 3D printed molds are not easy to demold, especially with epoxy because resin gets between the print layers (those little ridges you can feel) and it holds on. You can try putting it in the freezer to see if it releases but most likely you'll have to cut your blanks out and ruin the mold. Printed molds aren't meant to be used like hdpe or silicone molds. They are either one time use molds or you have to take other steps to prepare it for use. When I print 3D molds for resin I leave the bottom off and line the inside of the mold with clear packing tape. Then I hot glue it to a flat piece of wood or plastic also covers with tape. This makes it easier to demold, and resin will pull away from the tape easier to reuse the mold (after it cools off). If you try to demold it while it's still warm, the printed walls will deform.
Best of luck!

 

[SabertoothBunny]

The 3D printer models are good to use for making silicone molds, not casting themselves. Maybe just try 3D printing what you could cast into a custom silicone mold.

I don't like to turn 3D printed items in general, they tend to not turn out as great for me. Just my experience.

 

[carlmorrell]

I have used a torch to soften then the print so I can remove hidden magnets on failed experiments. A few seconds of the torch and the mold will soften, of course this is destructive to the mold.