Overview of Lost Wax Casting
The instructor will discuss the process of the lost wax method of casting. Included, will be points of interest such as history and development. Rubber mold making will also be presented.
Design and Illustration
Basic design, terminology, proportioning, and various methods of illustration will be discussed. Illustration will be taught so that even the student who is not artistically inclined will be able to present a professional drawing. The student will then design and illustrate a ring in preperation from his/her original design.
Carving Wax
The student creates one or more ring patterns using hard blue wax and a combination of carving, grinding, and filing tools.
Wax Fabrication
Using a combination of wax wire and wax sheets, the student fabricates a ring pattern for molding.
Determining Metal Needs
Computing the correct quantity of precious metals to fill the mold is essential. The student will be taught two methods to accomplish this procedure. The student will then determine the correct quantity of metal needed for his/her individual casting.
Spruing
The student is first taught the principals of spruing. Each student will then proceed to sprue his/her ring pattern in preparation for casting.
Mold Making
Mold making is taught with an in depth discussion and demonstration of Flask preparation, investment measuring, mixing, and de-bubblizing investment. The student will then build a mold to reproduce his/her pattern in metal.
Burnout
The final step to mold making is to eliminate the wax pattern through burnout. The student is provided information on the time and temperature stages necessary for burnout of various size flasks.
Metal Melting
Several methods of melting metal will be discussed. Crucible preparation, torch adjustments, and melting techniques will be demonstrated.
Casting
The student will be given instruction on two types of casting: vacuum and centrifugal. The proper set up for the centrifugal casting machine will be demonstrated. Each student will be given the opportunity to cast and quench his/her work.
Porosity
The numerous causes of porosity and how to eliminate them will be discussed.
Clean-Up and Finishing
The student is instructed on methods of investment removal, working down a casting, stripping, bombing, tumbling and repair of imperfections.
Molding for Duplication
Using vulcanized rubber, the student will learn how to duplicate a ring. Packing, vulcanizing, and cutting of rubber molds will be taught. The student will practice making a rubber mold.
Wax Injecting
Upon completion of the rubber mold, the student will begin the duplication process by injecting wax into the mold.
Multiple Spruing
The student sets up a commercial flask using either the tree or donut method of spruing.
Nugget Casting
The student is instructed on how to build a simple relief mold. Using this technique the student creates an original nugget. Clean-up and finishing techniques will be taught and practiced. Ingot molds will also be discussed.
Casting From Nature
Nature provides an array of possibilities for fine jewelry. The student is instructed on several methods of replication organic objects in precious metals.
Commercial Casting
The class participates in casting a short run of identical multiple parts in a commercially prepared flask. This is a useful skill in fulfilling the needs of clubs, fraternities, schools, etc..
Shop Set-Up
The student is taught casting shop set-up from basic to advanced. This is an in depth discussion of tools, equipments, supplies, and "how-to" instructions on building much of the most expensive equipment. |
