Wall Thickness
High Definition
The resolution of the wax printing process is very high, so make sure you create and export your model with enough definition that you don’t see the triangles from your original design.
Geometry
Be careful if large areas of your model are connected or supported by thin rods. Ask yourself if the rods are strong enough to “carry” the weight of the larger area. Think of it as a big head resting on a thin neck. It is possible to print internal structures with Copper; however, removing support structures, cleaning them and casting them can be difficult or even impossible. If you have doubts about whether your model is printable, please contact us.
Hollow Models
This material allows you to print hollow models. However, keep in mind that you need to incorporate multiple holes or slots so that we can get rid of any unprinted wax resin. In addition, you will need to make sure that the casting plaster is sufficiently supported or your model will not be able to be cast properly. Make as many holes or slots as you possible can. We recommend making two or more holes or slots. Make sure the holes are spread out equally; for example on opposite ends of your design. The holes should have a diameter larger than 1.5 mm.
Feature Size
The smallest features in your design should be at least 0.35 mm in diameter and 0.4 mm in height and attached to a solid surface. Details this small are suitable for delicate projects such as micro pavé settings.
Because Copper is not a very strong material, longer features such as rods or prongs (in mesh-like structures) should be at least 0.8 mm in diameter or else they might break during casting or even when you wear the piece.
Clearance
Polishing
In order to polish your model, we have to be able to reach its surfaces. As a rule, we can't file, sand or polish cavities, and small sharp edges will be rounded off. You can also imagine that complex, internal, and mesh-like structures are impossible to reach.
Nested Objects, Hinged and Interlinking Parts
Nested objects (objects floating within another object), hinged parts, and interlinking parts such as chains, or copies / parts within the same file e.g. earrings, cannot be made with lost wax casting as support structures have to be removed before your model can be cast in Copper.
Engraved Text and Surface Details
For embossing or engraving details such as text, we advise you to keep a maximum height/depth-to-width ratio of 1:1. Also, keep in mind the minimum wall thickness of 0.35 mm.
