This course stands independently as an introduction to the craft of Lost Wax Casting using the Shell investment technique.
Previous knowledge and experience of casting is useful but not essential to enrol on this course.
Session 1 9.00am to 12.30pm
Lunch 12.30pm to 1.30
Session 2 1.30pm to 4.00pm (approx)
Please note the above times can be shorter or longer depending on how smoothly things run and the number of candidates attending.
Course Content (For Sessions 1 & 2)
(Due to shell drying time you will cast a bronze investment started by a previous student.This ensures you experience all the processes outlined below.)
By the end of the day participants will have cast a small bronze artefact involving the following skills and experiences:
- Types of wax, melting, temperature control
- Suitable moulds and how to cast wax model in mould provided
- Sprue and mount and vent wax model. Reasons for tree method
- Materials and mix ratios for investment casting
- Preparing and cleaning waxes
- Apply 1 layer of primecoat binder and 200 mesh molchite (sometimes 2 coats are needed.)
- Apply 2 layers of binder and 50/ 80 mesh molochite
- Apply 3 to 5 layers of binder and 16/ 30 mesh molochite (related to casting size) Thorough drying between all shell coats is essential
- Melt out wax
- Burn out wax residues, shell temperature
- Remove moisture and heat up flask
- Safety equipment and safe working practices
- Lighting and charging the furnace, fluxing and degassing
- Melt bronze and pouring
- Properties of molten metals
- Procedures for pouring molten metal
- Knocking out the shell
- Dressing the completed castings. (Time permitting removal of runners risers and vents)
Students will also be able to purchase moulding items from our foundry store. If you require any products please let us know in advance so that we can ensure that they are ready for collection.
Tea /Coffee biscuits will be provided. (Please bring your own packed lunch)
Clothing / Footwear
You will need to be appropriately dressed for a workshop environment. Natural fabric is best.
You should wear tough leather shoes or boots with steel toe caps. (preferably no laces)
Feel free to bring note book, pencil, camera if you wish to document the day’s activities. A USB memory stick is useful to make copies of some handouts.
Your hobbies
We understand you are interested in further developing your casting skills so it may be useful to bring along drawings, photographs and or parts so that we can look at and discuss possible ways of achieving your goals
N.B. We will not be able to cast these components on the day.
