Upload an STL, OBJ or 3MF to begin
Get a print-ready press mold: a die & piston, for clay, soap & bath bombs
Press
Upload an STL, OBJ or 3MF to begin
Get a print-ready press mold: a die & piston, for clay, soap & bath bombsA press mold is a matched die and piston pair. You pack the die with a material that is stiff rather than pourable, press the piston down, and the material takes the shape of the cavity. Nothing is poured and nothing cures in the mold, so you can turn a batch out one after another.
This is the right tool for packable materials: clay, bath bombs, cold-process soap, compressed powders, shredded plastic. If your material is liquid, you want a pour mold instead.
| Setting | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | 5 to 6 perimeters | The die takes real force on every press |
| Infill | 50 to 60% | A die that flexes gives inconsistent parts |
| Layer height | 0.16 to 0.2 mm | The cavity finish transfers to the part |
| Material | PETG | Stiffer than PLA and survives repeated pressing |
| Orientation | Cavity opening upward | No supports inside the cavity, which is the surface that matters |
Usually too dry, or not packed hard enough. Add a little moisture, pack in layers, and press slowly holding at the end. For bath bombs the target is barely damp, holding together when squeezed in your hand.
Dust the cavity with cornflour, or wipe it with a trace of oil for clay. Rough printed walls grip more than smooth ones, so sanding the cavity once helps every press after it.
Inconsistent packing rather than a mold problem. Weigh the charge for each press instead of filling by eye, and use the same pressure each time.
Not enough wall or infill for the force you are applying. Reprint in PETG with 5 to 6 perimeters and 50 to 60% infill. Pressing is surprisingly high-force, especially for compressed powders.
Materials that are packable rather than pourable: clay, bath bombs, cold-process soap, compressed powders and shredded plastic. You pack the die, press the piston, and eject. If your material is liquid, use a pour mold instead.
The mix is too dry, or it was not packed hard enough. The target is barely damp, just holding together when squeezed in your hand. Pack in layers, pressing between each, and press slowly holding at the end rather than squeezing quickly.
Inconsistent packing rather than a mold fault. Weigh the charge for each press instead of filling by eye, and apply the same pressure each time.
PETG with 5 to 6 perimeters and 50 to 60% infill. Pressing applies real force, especially with compressed powders, and a die that flexes gives inconsistent parts while an under-built one cracks.
Dust the cavity with cornflour, or wipe a trace of oil in it for clay. Sanding the cavity smooth once helps every press after that, since rough printed walls grip more.