Parametric Handmade Paper Mould & Deckle – Printed Mesh (Fusion 360)

Parametric Handmade Paper Mould & Deckle

This is my fully parametric handmade paper mould and deckle. I have a few different versions available, but this one is fully 3D printable, including the mesh.

I designed it using Fusion 360 and printed it on my Bambu Lab A1 Mini and a H2D, although it should work on any printer.

I highly recommend using a 0.2 mm nozzle if you can. The improvement in the mesh is definitely worth it. I also recommend printing slowly while the mesh is being printed. I usually keep an eye on it during this stage, then once the frame starts printing I increase the speed and let it finish on its own.

You can print it with a 0.4 mm nozzle, the difference is noticeable, but depending on what you're using the paper for, and how well you press it afterwards, you may find it's perfectly ok.

The paper shown in my photos hasn't been pressed after making, so you can see the slight square texture left by the printed mesh on one side. I quite like it, but if you press your sheets while they're still wet, this texture is reduced considerably. I was happy enough with these results that I moved on to developing my next version, which uses an inlaid stainless steel mesh.

I've included several ready-to-print sizes:

• A square mould sized for the Open Press.

• A rectangular version that also works well with the Open Press, either for long prints or folded into signatures for small hand-stitched books.

• A larger square designed to make the most of the print area on the Bambu Lab A1 Mini and A1.

I've also included the original Fusion 360 file, allowing you to generate your own custom sizes by editing the user parameters. The design is fully parametric, so you can create almost any size of mould and deckle, although the Fusion file can become a little slow when creating very large sizes due to the number of holes that make up the mesh, so please be patient with it! But have fun experimenting! 

I haven't used the largest version yet, so if you print one, or create an even larger custom version, I'd love to hear how it performs.

Making Paper

I've recycled all sorts of scraps with this, including:

• Envelopes

• Scraps

• Packaging

• Junk Mail

• Coloured paper

• Receipts

• Old prints

Experiment with whatever you have. One of the best things about handmade paper is discovering the different colours, textures and fibres you can create from everyday waste.

Basic Instructions

There are lots of different techniques for making handmade paper, but this is the simple method I use.

1. Fill a container with water and add your prepared paper pulp.

2. Place the deckle on top of the mould, making sure they're aligned, and hold them firmly together.

3. Dip the mould and deckle into the pulp mixture at a slight angle, then lift them upwards in one smooth motion.

4. Gently shake the mould from side to side and front to back to help the fibres settle evenly across the mesh.

5. Hold the mould at a slight angle and allow the excess water to drain. I usually tip it until water stops dripping from one corner.

6. Carefully remove the deckle.

7. Turn the mould upside down onto the couching material. I use a piece of cotton fabric laid over an old wool blanket.

8. Press gently over the back of the mould with a sponge to absorb as much water as possible.

9. Carefully lift the mould away, leaving the wet sheet on the cotton.

10. Hang the cotton up to dry with the paper still attached.

Optional

There are many different ways to finish handmade paper.

At this stage you can stack multiple sheets between layers of felt, cotton or wool blankets and press them under weights or in a paper press. This removes more water, helps flatten the sheets and produces a smoother finish. I deliberately didn't press the paper shown in my photos because I liked the texture left by the printed mesh.

Find me elsewhere

🌐 https://flitchcreative.co.uk
📸 https://instagram.com/flitch.creative
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/flitchcreative

If you print this model, I'd love to see it! Upload a Make on Printables or tag @flitch.creative on Instagram.

Happy making!