# Casting jewellery

**URL:** <https://forum.formlabs.com/t/casting-jewellery/8252>\
**Category:** Projects & Prints\
**Created:** [May 20, 2016, 6:27am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/casting-jewellery/8252 "2016-05-20T06:27:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 324

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Charles\_McManus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b5e925/32.png) [@Charles\_McManus](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Charles_McManus)\
**Post date:** [February 7, 2018, 8:17am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/casting-jewellery/8252/324 "2018-02-07T08:17:13Z")

</div>

I’ve found bluecast to have a variable shrinkage rate, depending on environment and time from print to investment. In the summer, I was losing 1 ring size from the original model to the cast piece. In winter, that went down to half-a-size. However, I get these results _only_ if I print, rinse/dry/repeat 3 times, and then invest on the same day - preferably right away.

If I leave a print for a day or two - even in a drawer or dark cupboard, there’s a noticeable shrinkage.

I now only use bluecast for models where precision isn’t totally required - like pendants without gem settings, or prototype models. For anything else, I go back to formlabs castable. (I’ve found by properly curing my prints, using R&R Plasticast - finally available in the UK - drying my invested flasks overnight at 20°C and holding the oven initially during burnout at 143°C for 2 hours, I’m getting great, non-porous results).

---

_[View the full topic](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/casting-jewellery/8252)._