OPL Casting Molds: The "Lost Salt" Method

Grid Logic has developed a multi-material process that enables the fabrication of monolithic or multi-component casting molds using an open-air heat treatment followed by an aqueous rinse. Using OPL technology, a casting mold powder and a water-soluble powder are printed in a build cartridge with a non-reactive supporting powder. The build cartridge is then heated in open-air to set the mold material. After washing the mold with water to remove the water-soluble powder, the mold is dried and prepared for casting.

Multi-material OPL Print

• Support Powder:  Zircon

• Mold Powder: Zircon-based

• Investment Powder: NaCl

​

Mold Set/Clear

• Open-air Heat Treatment

• Aqueous Rinse

• Open-air Dry

​

Part

• Conventional casting in monolithic OPL printed mold

​