Introduction: Valentine Chocolate Bear

By tanyawiesner.com
About: I am a technical artist working in the game and software industry. 3D printing is a side hobby of mine.

Homemade sweets for your sweetie are ALWAYS a great idea and a box of handmade goodies can score you some extra points on February 14th. Even if it doesn't look store bought quality, it is the thought that counts.

Step 1: Project Requirements

  • 3D Printer
  • 3D Filament
  • Sandpaper
  • Alumilite Amazing Mold Putty (or other food safe casting material)
  • Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast
  • Chocolate
  • Microwave safe container
  • Optional fillings such as Peanut Butter.

Step 2: About the Mold Negatives

The negative for the mold I used for this project was a creation I designed in the software Zbrush and modified for casting purposes. Project files for this instructable are available for purchase on Myminifactory.com but other 3d designs can be used for this project instead.

Step 3: 3D Print Part

Bear for mold

Print either the liquid mold bear file if you are creating a mold from a liquid mixture or print the putty mold if you are using a moldable putty to create the mold. Recommended to print the bear as high resolution as you can on your 3d printer to give the mold (and casting) a smoother appearance.

Hearts for Mold

Print 2x of the heart for the mold. Recommended to print the hearts as high resolution as you can on your 3d printer to give the mold (and casting) a smoother appearance.

Case.

Both top and bottom of the heart case can be printed at a 0.3 mm resolution though higher resolution for the top case is recommended.

Step 4: Post Process

Wash the plastic model in water mixed with a little bit of dish soap. This will prevent the silicone from sticking to the plastic. Wait until it dries completely before creating the mold.

The heart box case may require some sanding of the fittings (it is a 0.25mm gap fitting between) depending on your printer settings and printer setup. Sand away any blemishes. Use Alumilite Clear Cast to seal the heart shaped box and to make the plastic safe for food contact.

Step 5: Create the Mold

I used Amazing Mold Putty by Alumilite. Directions is to mix a 1:1 ratio.

  • Mix about 0.8 oz yellow 0.8 oz white for 2 hearts
  • Mix about 1.6 oz yellow 1.6 oz white for bear

Do not make any part of the mold thin else risk destroying the mold during use.

Step 6: Casting

Before using, wash the molds in clean water.

In a microwave safe container, cook the chocolate using a microwave at 15-20 sec intervals. Stir between timed sessions. Repeat until chocolate is liquid and pour it slowly into the mold. While the chocolate is still liquid in the mold, tap the mold lightly while the mold is on a table to help displace air bubbles. Place the chocolate in the refrigerator to cool and harden.

If making chocolate with filling, coat inside wall of the mold first. Place in refrigerator to cools and harden. Once harden, add filling such a peanut butter and cover with chocolate. Place in refrigerator to cool and harden newest layer.

After a few hours take the chocolate out of the refrigerator. Gently pry away the mold from the chocolate.

Step 7: Results

With each cast, my bears improved in look with minor air pockets. I am no pastry chef but for a quick DIY I am happy with the results.