Prepping the Virtual Model prior to the Stereolithography Process

Transporting the Virtual Data to the Foundry:

[Figure 11: 3D computer rendering sent to foundry so that foundry can designate cut marks].

Bruvel sends the resulting 3D computer rendering of the piece to the foundry.

The foundry suggests where the cut marks should be made in the 3D sculpture.

These cut marks denote where the seams should be designated for the prototype model that will be created for the sculpture.

The prototype model must be produced as individual pieces.

This preliminary process ensures that when the prototype model is built in photopolymer at another company through the computer stereolithography or 3D layering process, each individual built piece when shipped later to the foundry, can be cast in bronze there.

Proper seams for mold pieces permit all the individual cast metal pieces to be welded together seamlessly at the foundry to form the final sculpture.

B. Let me further express the ease with which the process allows me to work with the foundry: I interact with the foundry in order to get feedback before the physical model is created with the stereolithography or 3D layering process. I have the foundry tell me where to make the cuts on the model prior to sending it to the company which will make a preliminary prototype model of the sculpture produced as a series of individual pieces. This facilitates the molding process as well as reassembly later at the foundry for the lost wax process.

Next Section: From VIrtual to Physical Model