Forming objects by infiltrating a printed matrix

A method of molding downhole equipment or a component thereof by infiltrating a matrix material with an infiltration material, the method comprising:

• forming a mold of the downhole equipment or component thereof using a 3D printer, the mold comprising a plurality of portions of the mold, at least a portion of the plurality of portions of the mold being formed with a heating element formed as a crow's foot while the mold is being formed;
• forming, using the 3D printer, first and second zones of respective different first and second matrix materials arranged substantially adjacent to each other in a mold;
• forming, using the 3D printer, a transition region between the first and second zones through which the composition of the material in the transition region is gradually varied from the composition of the first matrix material adjacent the first zone to the composition of the second matrix material near the second zone;
• heating the matrix materials in the first and second zones and the transition region using the crow's foot;
• infiltrating the matrix materials in the first and second zones and the transition region with a molten infiltration material to form an infiltrated matrix material;
• and
• cooling the infiltrated matrix material to solidify the infiltration material,
• wherein the mold is formed while the first zone, second zone, or transition region or any combination thereof is formed.