Question 1

Do I need CAD software to design a vase?

Accepted Answer

No. The vase 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.

Question 2

Is this the vase or the mold?

Accepted Answer

It is the master, the solid positive you cast from, so it is solid rather than hollow. The vase mold generator adds the inner core that makes the finished cast hollow. The Use in a mold button hands the shape straight to it.

Question 3

Will a fluted or twisted vase 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 material will the vase need?

Accepted Answer

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

Parametric Vase Designer