The difficulty of obtaining a quality casting from a 3D printed resin pattern is well known, and the recent proliferation of 3D printers in the jewelry industry has caused a quantum jump in the number of failed castings coming from the output of these machines.  This paper presents the process steps to fully harden and then prepare 3D-printed acrylic photopolymers for investing and casting. This process greatly reduces issues of investment degradation during burnout, resulting in much better surface finish in the castings produced.

Author: James Binnion