Question 1

Do I need CAD software to design a candle?

Accepted Answer

No. The candle is built from a few numbers: height, base and top diameter, a silhouette, and an optional surface pattern. Everything runs in your browser and you download a printable STL or 3MF.

Question 2

Is this the candle or the mold?

Accepted Answer

It is the master, the solid positive you cast from. You print it, take a silicone or plaster mold off it, then pour wax into that mold. The Use in a mold button hands the shape straight to a mold generator.

Question 3

Will a fluted or twisted candle come out of a two-part mold?

Accepted Answer

A shape that is purely turned around its axis always releases from a two-part mold split down its axis, however curved the silhouette. Twist is the exception: past about half a flute of rotation the grooves wrap around the body and hook the halves together. The designer warns you and tells you the angle that stays safe.

Question 4

How much wax will the candle need?

Accepted Answer

The designer shows the volume of the shape as you change it, and converts it to a rough weight of paraffin or soy wax so you can judge a pour before printing anything.

Parametric Candle Designer