On Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:57:21 AM UTC-4, Ed Huntress wrote:


Oh, and you're right, making patterns for casting is one of the
original uses for 3D printing. Also, some people use some type of wax
or plastic made for the purpose, and make investment-casting patterns.
I've never looked into it, though.

--
Ed Huntress

I did a little looking around. The material used for investment casting is PLA. Made from Soy Beans. The regular material gives toxic fumes when being melted out.

Dan