More and more people want to learn about the craft of metal casting – step by step, you can analyse this process by reading the article below.
Craft metal casting is a traditional form of manufacturing metal objects by pouring liquid metal into a specially prepared mould. Unlike mass industrial production, craft metal casting is characterised by a greater proportion of manual work, smaller production scales, often unique products and the use of simpler tools and metal casting methods. The metal casting process is divided into stages. First, a model of the casting is created, then a casting mould, the metal is melted and purified, and poured into the mould as a casting mass. This is followed by solidification and cooling of the casting and its final processing, including precise grinding. Various metals or their alloys are used for casting.
How to prepare a mould for metal casting?
A craftsman performing metal casting creates a model of the future casting. Traditionally, the model is made by hand from materials such as wood, wax, clay, plaster, and sometimes from ready-made objects to be reproduced. A casting mould is created based on the model. Sand moulds are most commonly used, where the model is imprinted in a special mixture of moulding sand. The mould usually consists of two parts, forming a cavity in the shape of the casting, as well as sprues and vent channels. In the craft of non-ferrous metal casting, ceramic casting moulds are also used, as well as lost moulds, e.g. made of wax, which are destroyed when the metal is poured in, or metal moulds.
Metal casting techniques – gravity casting and pressure casting
Among the basic methods of metal casting, gravity and pressure techniques are distinguished.
Gravity casting is the simplest and most commonly used method in domestic conditions – it involves pouring liquid metal into a casting mould using only the force of gravity. It is a cheap process, but requires proper preparation of the model and casting material – usually sand or ceramic. Pressure metal casting, on the other hand, is carried out using special machines that force molten metal under high pressure into a closed mould. This technique allows for greater precision and speed of production, but requires advanced equipment. Vitcas offers products that support hobby and semi-professional colour metal casting, such as refractory materials, cements and insulating coatings. Regardless of the technique chosen, the key to success is thorough preparation of the mould and the correct melting parameters. Start your adventure with casting with the help of proven materials – discover the Vitcas range!
Read also:
Melting point of metals – key information
Casting materials – what you need to know
Metal casting has become a very popular activity. To do it properly, you need not only the right materials, but also expert knowledge.