Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a mold for a memorialization product comprising characters without a backing substrate are described herein. In a process for creating a mold, a three-dimensional (3D) model of a product design is generated. The product design includes characters with customized features. A mold design is generated based upon the 3D model of the product design. The mold design is optimized including character optimization based on the depth and bend radius of the characters. Printing instructions for creating the mold are generated and accessed by a processing device. The mold is created according to the printing instructions. A product, such as a bronze memorialization product, can be cast using the mold.

Abstract: A hybrid method of casting a metal product is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a product design, creating a mold insert based on the product design, creating a mold base based on the product design, assembling the mold insert with the mold base to form an assembled mold, casting the metal product with the assembled mold, and post-processing the metal product. In some embodiments, creating a mold insert includes generating printing instructions for a mold insert based on the product design and printing a mold insert configured to mate with a product mold (for example, a mold produced by traditional sand molding processes) based on the printing instructions.

Abstract: Improved processes for generating a mold configured for casting—are disclosed. An illustrative process comprises using one or more 3D sand printers to create interlocking modular pieces that, when assembled, form the mold. The interlocking modular pieces may be used to define cavities such as a pattern cavity, a sprue, a riser, a runner, or a vent. Additionally, the interlocking modular pieces may define cores to fit inside the pattern cavity.

Abstract: A hybrid method of casting a metal product disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a product design, creating a mold insert based on the product design, creating a mold base based on the product design, assembling the mold insert with the mold base to form an assembled mold, casting the metal product with the assembled mold, and post-processing the metal product. In some embodiments, creating a mold insert includes generating printing instructions for a mold insert based on the product design and printing a mold insert configured to mate with a product mold (for example, a mold produced by traditional sand molding processes) based on the printing instructions.