Shape Cast: Automating 3D Design for Plaster Molds in Ceramic Slip Casting

Shape Cast is our novel software tool designed to simplify the creation of plaster molds for ceramic slip casting by automating the 3D modeling process. Instead of needing to learn 3D computer-aided design (CAD) to produce molds, Shape Cast allows artists to input a single 2D profile of the desired pot. Shape Cast uses that to generate ready-to-print 3D models for plaster, accommodating factors such as clay shrinkage and mold structural requirements. We detail the mold generation process and associated software capabilities; and, we provide case studies demonstrating the capabilities of Shape Cast.