What finishes are available?
Natural: Light polishing to achieve a somewhat rough surface with a matte finish.
Polished: Hand-polished to achieve a smooth, shiny surface.
How long will it take to receive a model in this material?
Production times depend on the model size and chosen finish, but usually products ship in nine business days with Priority manufacturing. Shipping time depends on your location and the chosen speed.
How is this material made?
Using lost wax casting, the model is printed in wax using a specialized high-resolution 3D printer. Afterward, liquid plaster is poured in around it. Once the plaster sets, it is placed in a furnace to melt the wax out creating a mold. Molten copper is then poured into the mold and set to harden. The plaster is broken away, revealing the product.
Natural copper is briefly tumbled to remove any excess material. Polished copper is carefully cleaned and hand polished for a shiny finish. Note: Polishing can wear down edges or fill in very fine details, and inaccessible internal cavities will remain unpolished.
Will Copper oxidize or tarnish?
Yes. The surface of any copper part will begin oxidizing as soon as it comes into contact with air. This can be beneficial as it creates a boundary layer making the part more resistant to corrosion and biofouling. The appearance of the part, however, will change organically over time, as a brown, green, and/or blue patina forms on the surface giving the part a naturally weathered look. The color of the patina depends on the chemical makeup of the part’s surrounding environment. The oxidation process can be accelerated by exposing the part to various chemicals or it can be slowed by adding a protective coating, but it cannot be prevented entirely.
Learn more about Copper.