Дизайн литья рыбы кои

Translating a Digital Model into a Material Library of Physical Forms.
Review process on Instagram Reel:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSMyau9jXhD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I created a Koi Fish, Yin &Yang, model as a digital design exercise, with a material science question: how can a single 3D print enable rapid, multi-material prototyping?

Methodology:
1. Digital Origin: The original design was modelled and 3D-printed in PLA.
2. Flexible Tooling: This print was used to create a silicone rubber mould—a reusable, versatile master for casting.
3. Material Experimentation: Using the same mould, I cast forms in three distinct materials on hand: concrete post-mix, a plaster compound (Aqua-Cast), and candle wax.
4. Iterative Design: The form was adapted into a functional lid/container set. Failures, such as cracking in thin-walled concrete casts, became learning points, leading to hybrid repairs using epoxy resin and plaster.

Outcome & Insight:
This rapid process yielded a family of objects—an incense holder, a plant pot, and a composite candle—from one digital source. The core learning was in observing material behaviors: setting times, brittleness, fluidity, and how materials can complement each other in hybrid forms.

Key Takeaway:
3D printing's value extends beyond final parts; it is a powerful tool for generating flexible, low-cost tooling that accelerates material research and functional prototyping. This project underscores the potential of desktop digital fabrication to facilitate hands-on learning in material properties and hybrid composition.

Note:
I have included 2 variations of the TOP and BASE design, as well as the Koi Fish Design Alone (in case you want the alter the design) .
For the casing to create the silicone mould, I used temporary wall structures 3D printed in PLA, as a single wall (in Vase-mode) So that it is well sealed and can be broken-off easily. I have NOT included those files here. But I recommend you use or re-use materials lying around .i.e. cardboard, plastic containers, and glue gun or water-proof sealant, to make the mould casing water-tight.
That way, after casting the Silicone, you can dispose of the recycled material.

3D printing FDM/ FFF:
0.2mm layer height - but I found the visible layers were aesthetically pleasing when casting in concrete, so you could increase the layer height to 0.3mm, as long as the model is watertight, i.e. add extra wall count, make sure infill is at min 15%, to make sure the curved forms don't create any opening due to lack of infill and make top/ bottom layers ay least 3 layers.
NO SUPPORTS REQUIRED
Variable Layer height can be incorporated.
(min=0.05, max=0.2)

Silicon Mould Making:
PLA works well, no need to add any repellent or non-stick spray, as the Silicone doesn't stick to PLA. I used about 2kg of of the mixed compound for my moulds.
I used 'DecoRom' Silicone rubber compound, purchased online.
Here is the link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silicone-Mould-Making-Kit-Translucent/dp/B08FYFP182?th=1

Casting Material Library:
I found using compound material mix, of AquaCast and cement, worked really well, to accommodate the dimension of the current model. If you want to use cement alone, then I would recommend increase the scale of the model, as the cement material is groggier, which doesn't work so well on small wall structures.
I also re-casted the broken cement models with clear Epoxy Resin, to capture the incomplete/broken cement casts, which I found aesthetically pleasing.
Finally I used the AquaCast material on one of the BASE designs and casted the TOP design in wax, to achieve a candle product. By trimming the TOP wax edges and filling the BASE with more wax, I was able to fit the TOP inside the container to create a Candle Koi Fish Design.

Digital model Dimension of KoiFish_YY TOP & BASE combined:
Diameter: 168.8mm
Height: 73.6mm