Frankie Flood to Present 3D Printing and Sand Casting Research at SNAG Detroit Conference
Frankie Flood, Professor and Area Head of Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design at Appalachian State University, has been selected to present his latest research and techniques at the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) annual conference, “SNAG x Detroit.” His session, titled “Print, Pack, Pour: Sand Casting with 3D Printed Patterns,” will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026.
During his demonstration, Professor Flood will explore a hybrid workflow that bridges the gap between modern digital fabrication and traditional metalsmithing. By utilizing entry-level 3D printing to create detailed and reusable patterns for sand casting, Flood‘s methodology demonstrates how combining digital modeling with an ancient metallurgical process can revolutionize both beginner classrooms and independent studios.
By replacing traditional hand-carved models with 3D-printed iterations, makers and students can rapidly experiment with designs, achieve precise draft angles, and transition from a digital file to a finished, poured metal cast in a single afternoon. This accessible approach significantly speeds up the production timeline while pushing the creative boundaries of what independent jewelers and metalsmiths can achieve.
For the last twenty years Flood’s research has been centered around the integration of digital technology and craft. In addition to his role at Appalachian State University, his career includes 11 years at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he served in key leadership roles including Director of the Digital Craft Research Lab and Coordinator for Digital Fabrication and Design. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
The SNAG x Detroit conference brings together top educators, artists, and innovators in the jewelry and metalsmithing fields for a multi-day event featuring exhibitions, keynote speakers, and hands-on demonstrations. Flood’s ”Print, Pack, Pour” demonstration will be featured during Session Three of the Friday schedule in Art Dept. room 55.
For more information about Frankie Flood and his work, follow him on Instagram at @fflood. Further details regarding the 2026 SNAG x Detroit conference schedule can be found at snagmetalsmith.org and snagmetalsmith.org/conference-speakers/frankie-flood/.
