# PolyCast™ (PVB)

**Specialized for Investment Casting**\
PolyCast™ is a filament engineered specifically for producing investment patterns used in investment casting applications, streamlining the traditional casting workflow.

**Cost and Time Efficiency**\
By enabling direct 3D printing of casting patterns, PolyCast™ eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming tooling processes. This significantly reduces both production costs and lead times.

**Ideal for Foundries and Custom Manufacturing**\
Choose PolyCast™ for rapid, accurate, and efficient production of investment casting patterns - perfect for foundries, jewelry making, and custom manufacturing projects.

| Parameter                    |                                       |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Nozzle temperature           | 190 – 220 (℃)                         |
| Build surface treatment      | PC and Texture PEI (Glue when needed) |
| Build plate temperature      | 25 - 70 (˚C)                          |
| Cooling fan                  | ON                                    |
| Printing speed               | 50 - 200 (mm/s)                       |
| Retraction distance          | 1 - 3 (mm)                            |
| Retraction speed             | 20 - 40 (mm/s)                        |
| Closure Chamber              | No Needed                             |
| Recommended support material | PolyDissolve™ S1                      |
| Drying setting               | 50˚C for 12h                          |

## Print Tips

This mateiral is a PVB material and does not need any special printer requirements to print.

* Print slower than standard PLA. Recommended top Max Volumetric Speed of 15mm^3/s.
* Increase printing temperature to 220˚C if printing at this fast 15mm^3/s.
* Keep fan speed on at full blast for best surface quality. Reduce if noticing any layer adhesion issues.
* The burnout temperature for our PolyCast is 1,100 - 1,200˚C to entirely burnout.
* You can find more information on this on page 7 of our application notes for this material: <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0548/7299/7945/files/PolyCast_Application_Note_V1.pdf?v=1640965091>
* Video to help if you are unable to reach 1,100˚C <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeNMc_THrow>

## FAQ

<details>

<summary><strong>How do you use PolyCast™?</strong></summary>

You can download our [Application Notes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0548/7299/7945/files/PolyCast_Application_Note_V1.pdf?v=1640965091)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What makes PolyCast™ unique?</strong></summary>

PolyCast™ features two unique technologies:\
\
Layer-Free™: PolyCast™ can be easily smoothed with IPA for a smoother surface finish which is reflected on the casted model.\
\
Ash-Free™: PolyCast™ burns out very cleanly with minimum ash residues.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Will the spools work in an AMS?</strong></summary>

Yes! We have redesigned the edges of our spools so all Polymaker products will now spin great in the AMS.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What coating or plaster is best to pair with PolyCast for investment casting?</strong></summary>

For investment casting with PolyCast filament, the choice of ceramic coating can depend on the type of metal being cast and the desired surface finish.\
&#x20;Common options include:

* Silica-Based Coatings: Widely used and generally compatible with various metals.
* Zircon-Based Coatings: Often preferred for high-temperature applications as they provide better thermal shock resistance.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I burnout Polycast lower than 1,100˚C?</strong></summary>

The burnout temperature for our PolyCast is 1,100 - 1,200C to entirely burnout. You can find more information on this on page 7 of our application notes for this material: <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0548/7299/7945/files/PolyCast_Application_Note_V1.pdf?v=1640965091>

There is another individual though - a YouTuber - who pretty much exclusively uses PolyCast - Press Tube. He uses a kiln that cannot reach those temperatures and gets the PolyCast to work. Here is a link to a video of his where he goes over how he gets it to work while not being able to reach that temperature:<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeNMc_THrow>

He just needed to do the burn for a much longer amount of time, but you can check that video for his tips.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>How do I combine two PolyCast or PolySmooth PVB prints together?</strong></summary>

To combine two PolyCast parts: Alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol.  Iit is a good solvent for PVB, which is dissolved into liquid then bonded through two halves, and then the solvent evaporates into a solid.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What is the ash residue after burnout of your PolyCast?</strong></summary>

0.003%

</details>

### **Printing Requirements**

None! This will print great on any stock 3D printer!

You will just want to print slower on stock, older style printers.

## [Printing Profiles](/polymaker-products/printer-profiles/legacy-profiles-by-material/specialty/polycast-tm.md)

## Documents

[TDS](/polymaker-products/more-about-our-products/documents/technical-data-sheets/specialty-and-support-materials/polycast-tm.md)

[SDS](/polymaker-products/more-about-our-products/documents/safety-data-sheets.md)

[Other Docs](/polymaker-products/more-about-our-products/documents/certifications-and-declarations.md)


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