Hi, I am new to 3d printing, and would like some suggestions as to the best materials to use for my intended purpose. I do not intend to print these myself, but outsource the work, but I would like to understand what would be the most efficient and cost effective way to have this done.

I want to print intricate lace patterns that I will then use to create silicone molds (for cake decoration). Unlike traditional lace, the prints should be rigid as that will make the mold making process that much easier. The patterns tend to be quite intricate (see attachment for an idea).

I appreciate any suggestions or tips. Thanks!

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I think PLA or ABS could be fine. Probably printed with a smaller nozzle to get the detail. The hard part is going to be drawing them to make the STL file!

should be an easy print with PLA

Hi

You may get a better finish and detail from resin based printers. Do you have a 3D file (stl) of this yet?

Best regards

Adam

AG Prototypes

How big is the item in that picture?

I assume this was printed with some sort of embroidery machine.

Can they not embroider it with a stiffer material?

This one was machine made, yes, but not by me, and I don’t have access to the equipment. I intend to come up with unique designs and then create molds from them. The sizes can be anywhere from 1.5" rounds to long 10" x 2+" bands.

No, no stl file yet, that’s the next challenge. But I will start with a more simple pattern, something to test the relief that I am looking to reproduce.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It sounds like this is doable, I will test and see with PLA, ABS and resin, but definitely with a smaller nozzle to try and reproduce the fine detail that hand made lace can have. Exciting!