The Methods Involved When Doing The Lost Wax Casting Jewelry

By Stephen West


Lost wax casting is a type of process where in the sculpture of a duplicate metal is being casted from the original sculpture. Examples of these materials would include gold, bronze, silver, or brass. Depending on the skills of a sculptor, the intricate works may be achieved through this method. Today, the process has been varied from different foundries and the steps being utilized are standardized fairly, specifically for the bronze sculptures.

The process of casting jewelry involves making some jewelry pieces and this would include pouring liquid metal alloys into a molding. Since before, the technique has been utilized already and even until now, this is still being utilized widely, usually by the home crafters and the craftsmen when making original jewelry pieces. So whenever you have decided on starting to create your own piece, follow these methods in lost wax casting jewelry.

Craft the molding. Carve the hard modeling wax piece according to the desired shape. It is recommended to start on creating a simple one since complex ones may be a bit harder if your are a beginner. In making the model, you make use of either a Dremel, precision knife, or some other tool. Attach either 3 or 4 sprues to provide a channel for waxes when melting it out.

Attach molding into a sprue base. This can be an important process so that the top of a wax will be allowed on melting at the bottom of base. Then after, leave this for few hours then put the flask on the sprue base top. When you do this, make sure to observe some distance in between the model and the flask wall, about quarter an inch.

Investing your molding. Make sure that the wax model stand is secured to the bottom of a casting flask using an amount of melted wax. Be sure to pop up the model to the flask. With this method, your product will now be ready for the casting process. Mix the dry ingredients in water. Follow carefully the instructions being provided in your purchased mold investment.

Place the mold investment in the vacuum chamber for the removal of air bubbles. If the vacuum sealer is not acquired, you may just set it aside for about 10 to 20 minutes. Air bubbles often result to having some holes in the final product. After the mold has been dried, place the flask inside a kiln for about 600 degrees Celsius. After a certain amount of time, remove it and check if there are any obstructions at the bottom of mold.

Cast the jewelry. Place the chosen metal into the pouring crucible and melt it in the foundry. The temperature and the time of melting will depend upon the type of metals. When the metal is poured to the molding, you may use a centrifugal machine for casting. This machine is often being used by the professional makers.

The metal should be cooled first, usually for five to ten minutes then dunk it slowly to cold water. The time also depends on the melted metal. Tap gently the mold by a hammer to break any excess plaster.

Finish the jewelry. Make use of the angle grinder when cutting the lines from sprues. But it would be recommended that the hand held grinder will be used since it is more strong. During the process of firing, a metal may possibly be left dirty and dingy. So make use of specific washers for metals. Also use enamel clothes, files, polishes, etc. When cleaning.




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