Friday, October 31, 2008

{Other Individuals Ignored These HDTV Tips and Really Regretted it}

{First off, the exquisiteness with HDTV and why countless men and women cherish it is that it perpetually gives one the feel of being at the cinema when watching  films using an HDTV; no wonder numerous persons continue to speak about the wonderful HDTV technology. Whether what you are curious about is wide screen real-life form of pictures which are excellently clear to watch or excellent quality sound output, HDTV will give you the finest of both worlds, right in the real comfort of your apartment.}

{When I first learned about the HDTV, I was told I could see a pimple on the face of somebody on screen but I didn't believe it, but when I purchased my HDTV I was amazed  that not merely was this possible, but I could even see far more than that, unlike what's feasible with a usual television.}

{There exists extraordinary electronic discount super stores which sell HDTV matched TV, HDTV satellite television dish or antenna and also other such accessories at discounts; utilize the Internet to find them and purchase at discounts. $29.99 monthly can offer you HDTV subscription of 155 channels with DIRECTV subscription.}

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{To draw the curtain here, when you go out buying your wonderful HDTV, it is advantageous to also look into acquiring a really astounding surround sound package; both of these’ll actually  turn your apartment into the best "viewing paradise"!}

HDTV are the new tend. Let's face it, TV's are and essential part of every home. Come see what you can learn about HDTV's

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Brass Foundry in your Backyard

Casting

Brass is a great metal to cast with as it can provide some really great looking results.  Many believe that brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, has been around since our prehistoric ancestors. Penny's are made of brass, but they aren't the only things that brass makes up today as the majority of the musical instruments you see are made of brass.

The low melting point makes brass a really great material for metal casting since even the smaller home grown furnaces can be used. By adding and subtracting alloys from bronze one can successfully make hard or soft bronzes. Aluminum and tin are sometimes added to bronze to create a layer that is not corrosive and very durable. Of course, for the home foundry users, playing alchemist isn't really an option or necessary and scrap brass is perfectly acceptable in many cases. Locating scrap pieces of brass should be sufficient enough for whatever project you have in mind. Due to brass' gleam and yellow shine, many artists will use the alloy for sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items. Other metal casters may choose to use brass for general hardware needs or vintage car restoration, and of course, whatever else they may choose.

Generally there are three casting methods that prove to be suitable for Metal Casting . Metal casters may choose to experiment with different methods and should not allow themselves to be limited.

Metal Casting casting is usually associated with bronze casting but can also be used for brass and for really any other metal. By using a wax model and covering it with a ceramic shell, artisans are able to inject the molten alloy which replaces the wax. The brass piece will be shown once you start to chip away at the shell. Lost wax casting is used when a high attention to detail is needed. Artists or metal casters looking to create decorative brass pieces or sculptures will find that the lost wax casting technique will meet their needs far better than other techniques and methods.

Die casting is yet another method used for Brass Casting . Die casting is normally used in commercial foundries since the initial start up cost is undesirable for the smaller home foundries. By using a reusable mold created from steel, the caster will be able to create scores of identical products. Die casting with brass should be used if the caster or artists is planning to make multiples of one product and can find a viable market for those pieces.

Sand casting is probably the oldest type of casting and is still a popular method especially for small foundries. The brass is poured into sand molds and can create a unique look which may be preferred for the artisans. Sand casting tends to be the most economically sensible for small foundries and if the casting does not have to be incredibly attractive then this method is preferable for many.

Whichever casting method is used for casting the brass really depends on the individual. Many find that casting brass to be fun and easy since it does melt rather easily. Brass casting is one of the best alloys to start casting with if you have little to no budget as it does not require a large furnace for this alloy to melt. Many have even been able to melt brass in small ceramic pots using charcoal!

Some ideas of what to make with brass include candle holders, plumbing fixtures, and even musical instruments
 
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The Truth Behind Artistic Casting

Metal Casting

Metal Casting is an ancient method of creating statues and sculptures that has been in practice in Meso-America, China, and Ancient Egypt since 2000 BC. The Greeks practiced it, so did the Romans, and pretty much any civilization with a strong interest in art.

Weapons and Sculptures have been made using bronze since the begining of its discovery by man. Bronze is able to fill in the fine detail of molds making it very desirable to artists. When art casting, bronze is the alloy of choice since it is both beautiful and easy to work with. There are few examples of bronze statues left from antiquity since the alloy became scarce and many of the statues were melted down for weapons and other sculptures usually for new emperors or victors.

The Lost Wax Casting process is the preferred method used when art casting. This process was used in ancient times to create bronze items. Small foundries like the type found in backyards, personnel workshops, and garages are able to use the Lost Wax Casting process with a certain amount of professionalism. Commercial foundries and professional art companies use the Lost Wax Casting process as well to create custom items and monuments. The process remains, essentially, the same since the ancient craftsmen who first pioneered the method. When used in commercial manufacturing or jewelry making, the Lost Wax Casting process is called Investment Casting.

Metal Casting is one of the more enjoyable reasons to fire up the furnace and get into metal casting. While most think metal casting to be strictly limited to hobbyist and historical re-enactors, casting is a popular skill and craft used by a wide range of people for varying reasons. Artists see the need to have metal casting skills as it allows the artists to have direct control over the process instead of out sourcing it to a commercial foundry. A lot of times, you will pay very high prices to use the services that you will find at a commercial foundry. Metal Casting on your own is often times economical and just smart.

Attention to detail is very important when you are thinking about using the Lost Wax Casting process because although it seems simple it can also be very time consuming. The artists will start with an original piece sculpted from wax. The original can be made of other substances like clay or even metal but wax seems to be the easiest to work with. The original will be used to make the mold. If the piece to be cast is large, multiple molds will be needed. This is common in art casting and completely possible with the use of shims and keys that will allow placing the pieces together after the casting process easier. Most molds will be made out of latex or other materials to help transfer the fine detail into the mold cavity.

The original is often destroyed during the mold making process upon removal. Molten wax is poured into the mold until the desired thickness is achieved.  When dry, this wax copy is removed and chased which rids the piece of imperfections and is used to combine the pieces.  You will place paths for the molten metal on the wax copy.  You will also place a cup or funnel at the top of the copy. This process is called spruing and is done in wax.

A ceramic shell is placed around the copy. The shell isn't really ceramic but a sand and liquid silica combination.  You will repeat this step until the shell is thick enough for the piece. You will then heat the item which will melt the wax inside. The wax runs out of the shell through the paths placed during spruing. 

Then comes the part for the molten bronze. The bronze is poured into the top of the hollow shell. When cool you are going to remove the shell carefully to reveal the finished product. The bronze sculpture is chased, painted, and finished up however the artists choose.

Art casting can be done with any metal or alloy. If you are going to use the Lost Wax Casting process then you do not have to stick with bronze. In order to get that exact look sometimes you have to try a few other metals to see what works the best.

 
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Information on Casting Patterns and the Creation of Metal Casting Patterns

Metal Casting

A casting pattern is basically a shaped form of either metal or wood where sand is packed around it in the mold. It is only when this pattern is taken away that you can see the cavity that is left is exactly the shape of the object that was suppose to be cast. The casting pattern should however be designed in order to be easily removed without any damage done to the mold. The pattern should be also be perfectly dimensioned and should be very durable for the intended use. The patterns that are used in sand casting can be made of plastic, metal, wood or any other material. The casting patterns are made to the right standards of construction this is basically because they can last for a reasonable time. The quality of the grade in the casting pattern is really what determines the durability of the pattern for the long term. If the pattern is made of right quality then they would be constantly providing dimensionally perfect casting patterns.

The process: The process of making Casting Patterns is actually called as pattern making which is in fact a skilled trade which is related to the trades of die and tool making and mold making. However this also sometimes incorporates the elements of fine wood making. The makers of casting patterns basically learn their pattern making skills through trade schools and apprenticeships over a number of years of experience. The pattern maker is really the one who carries out the design but sometimes you will see an engineer who many help a few times.

Design: The Metal Casting incorporate proper allowances for the shrinkage and this process is called as contraction allowance. Their accurate values however depend on the alloys that are being used and the accurate sand casting methods that is used. There are a few alloys that have the overall linear shrinkage of nearly 2.5 percent as other alloys might actually experience 0 percent shrinkage or even a light positive shrinkage or it might also increase the size in the casting process. The amount of the shrinkage is also dependant on the sand casting process that is employed for instance chemical bonded sands, clay bonded sands or other bonding materials.

The casting patterns should also include proper allowance for the draft. This means that the sides would be tapered so that when it would be taken out from the sand it will not tend to drag out sand of place along with it. One to Three degrees is when this process, that is also called a taper, is done. The foundry engineers or the pattern maker of the casting patterns actually decide where the gating systems, risers and the sprues are places in terms of casting patterns. In this pattern a hole is desired in the Metal Casting that uses a core which defines the location and volume of in the casting where the metal would not flow into. Chills are also used sometimes located on the casting patterns surface and these are then formed into sand molds. These casting patterns however continue to be a vital requirement for sand casting of metal.
 
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Monday, October 27, 2008

Learn about Casting Molds and the different types of Casting Molds

Metal Casting

Metal Casting is basically the manufacturing process through which a liquid material is emptied into a mold that includes a hollow opening of the desired art or shape and is then allowed to harden. This hardened casting is then removed and broken out in order to complete the process. Apart from using sand as the main mold material there is a metal that is used as the mold. Normally, a cast meehanite or an iron is used as the material for mold and the objects are made from the sand or metal. The cavity surface is basically covered with a thin layer of material that is heat resistant which can be either sodium silicate or clay.

Casting Molds: The casting molds must be heated properly in order for the metal to react properly and this temperature is around 392 degrees Fahrenheit. The design of cavity for these casting molds does not chase the same principle for shrinkage like in the sand casting molds. This is because of the fact that the metal casting molds heat up and enlarge during the pouring process and so the cavity does not need to be expanded like in the sand castings. Nevertheless, care should be taken in order to ensure a correct thermal balance as you can use external water source for cooling or you can also opt for suitable radiation techniques.

Permanent Casting MOlds : Although these permanent casting molds are not as flexible as the sand castings which allow to be used in different metal patterns or designs but these lower the cost of producing the part. When there is a production run of more than 1000 parts the permanent casting molds would produce much lower piece of cost part. Apart from this, the break even point also depends on the density of the part. There are more complex parts that are favored when you use these permanent casting molds. The typical part size would be around 50g to 70 kg and the basic materials used are medium and small parts that are made from magnesium, aluminum and brass and also their alloys.

Slush Metal Casting : The slush casting molds are actually a special type of permanent casting molds in which the molted metal is not allowed to solidify completely. After gaining the desired wall thickness the still not solidified molted metal is then poured out. This is basically used in order to make void ornamental objects like lamps, candlesticks and statues.

Corthias Casting Molds: This type casting molds is yet another variant of the permanent casting molds in which basically a plunger is used to pack the molted metal through the spure hole. This type of process allows thinner walls and to produce greater details.

Vacuum Permanent Casting Molds: This type of Casting Mold is very similar to low pressure permanent casting molds as it is another type of permanent casting molds. In this type vacuum is used rather than a pressure. You can make thin wall casting through this type of casting molds like in the other low pressure casting molds. Apart from this the results are high as there are no risers used.
  
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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Art Casting Information

Metal Casting

Metal Casting is one form of excellence, put with diverse craft skills. It should be perfect and graceful at the same time. One should have unique craft skills which can produce a perfect art casting. There are several websites which can provide a person with information on art casting technique, their sculptors and the craft skills which are required to be a sculptor.

The websites that showcases the Art founders combines to provide advanced foundry techniques and similar superb craft skills. One can thus understand the sculptor’s needs and vision after viewing the art form. Previously, such sculptors were used in museums, galleries and exhibitions. Even today, at large the sculptors are used in public places, galleries and such art casting are made out of modern equipments and casting techniques.

Types of art casting: There are many types and kinds of art casting. Wax art casting, sand art casting, lost wax casting and many more. These websites that offer a client the art casting images and its services, offers concept design, Marquette works and enlargement of certain sculptors. The creative department has created new work for their clients and have provided enlargement of the miniature sculptures.

Typically, an assignment would begin with the concept stage and wherein the creative department makes drawings for approval. After this, a Marquette is done and the scaling procedure is done to work up the required size and alignment of the sculpture. Such work undertaken is done under one roof with involvement of clients who accompany in decision making of the design, creating stage and also through out the casting and finishing of the sculpture. Some of these websites are full service in the fact that they help their customers will complete installation and a delivery of the sculpture to anywhere in the world.

Lost Wax process: Most of the art casting of lost wax is processed by use of lost wax ceramic method of casting. This can make it a possibility of reproduction of maximum detail from original concept. Such facilities can make the sculptors to keep the original core in mold and allow the production of the largest wax in the country. A perfect cast is very much demanded by the clients. Smaller works like the abstract works, animal figures and many more are designed on such department. These wax shops are bright with daylight bulb.

Sand casting art form: The Metal Casting shops which focus on making sand sculptures use sand pieces and they make sure that there are deep undercuts on the making process. The team which undertakes the process are experienced and they strive to create some of the magnificent works that ranges from life size horses to full sized boats and such letter signs. A lot of the works with right to sand casting provide great dimensional stability and less reduction of metal.

Strengths of the art casting work shops: One of the key strength of the Art Casting shop is the depth of skill set and experience in the department. The Bronze one's are collected and finished by master craftsmen. One of the most important parts of the whoe art casting process is the final touch up process. These workshops provide lots of patinas and colors which a client may require right from traditional browns and green to blue, white, black and red color.
  
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Saturday, October 25, 2008

DIY Casting Information

Metal Casting

People who like to make their own artifacts and are enchanted with the idea of building new and useful things from scratch are sure to enjoy ‘do it yourself casting’ that can be done at home using simple methods and techniques. Many amazing things can be produced and created using you home made metal foundry. A good understanding of some basic foundry knowledge and few simple tools can help you make metal casting at home possible. Many people find it difficult to get special parts for their cars or bikes or even find it very costly to modify their cars, house or even bikes. If you develop your hobby of Metal Casting , then you can easily make special parts for your cars and bikes and also will find it easy and save a lot of money. Casting can be used to make many things like, simple ornaments knobs and even handles. Hand wheels and small machinery or tools can also be made. Small articles like brass name plates, statues, vintage motorcycle and car parts, etc can also be made at home.

Furnace Designs that can be made at home:

Coffee Can Metal Casting : This is very easy to build and even a large coffee-can will serve the purpose. These materials can be used to build a very simple and non complex gas fired furnace.

The “2 bucks” furnace: Is not as the name suggests, the furnace can’t be built in two bucks.This is really a two bucket design that we are referring to. It is very useful and a good experienced person can build it with a budget that is below 10 bucks. Whats nice about this is that is effectively burns propane.

Flowerpot crucible furnace: This furnace can also be built very easily and most importantly, it can be built using the waste material from your back yard. All you need is an old flower pot and a few metal cans. Melt the metal cans and coat the inside of the flower pot with the melted metal and you furnace is ready.

There are plenty of other types of furnaces that can be build at home and some of these are chimney pipe furnaces and brick furnaces.

Tools and material needed:

Home made Aluminum pulleys: Pulleys of different size and shapes can be made by bending aluminum rods or plates. Usually this process becomes fairly fun after you do a few and realize how simple and easy it can be.

Building steel crucibles: Steel crucibles are a bit difficult to make. You need to cut the steel and weld it using a welder, so it is a bit risky job and can cause injuries. It needs to be done with utmost care and precaution.

Home made ladle: A ladle can be made at home using a small portion of a steel water pipe; you can select the water pipe according to your needs and then cut it in the desired dimensions to create your home made ladle.

After doing all this basic work and gathering all the required information, you can now start your own Metal Casting and make desired articles. You also need to make the molds of your desired shape and size and you are ready to go. All types of metals and alloys can be used and melted for home casting, only their degree of heat required varies.


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Friday, October 24, 2008

The process of Cupola Casting

Metal Casting

A Cupola is a type of furnace that is very much alike to blast furnace. The Cupola furnace is refractory lined, stack of steel that is around 20 to 35 feet high. It rests on a base plate that is made of cast iron and has four legs. The casting that is obtained from the cupola furnace is known as a cupola casting.

Cupola Furnace: The Cupola Casting furnace is one of the oldest forms of furnace that have been used by the iron and metal foundries. The Cupola furnace is the crudest and the simplest furnace that has been used by the industries. However, the cupola’s use is declining and the furnace is fast being extinct.

Merits of the Cupola Metal Casting Furnace: Though the electric or the blast furnace has started replacing the Cupola Furnace, it has some special benefits of its own. Whats nice about the Cupola furnace is that is usually can be running continuously. The furnace also offers a very high melting rate. The most important merit of the furnace is that it has relatively very low melting cost. The furnace has also permits a lot of ease of operation.

However, due to the invention and development of the electric furnace, the use of Cupola furnaces has substantially declined. The electric furnace melts a much larger amount of metal. The operation cost of the electric furnace is also very low. The electric furnace also emits a much smaller level of smoke heat and also pollutants.

Construction of the Cupola furnace: The Cupola furnace is constructed in a crude and simple manner. The Cupola Metal Casting furnace is a vertical structure like a steel shell. The steel is lined with refractory bricks from the inside. The furnace has an opening half way in the vertical shaft. The charge is introduced through the opening. The charge is divided into different layers. Here is where the metal remains until its time to be melted. The metal is mixed with coke, fuel, and lime stone flux. The fuel is burnt directly into the air and is introduced in to the furnace through the tuyeres which are positioned above the hearth. The hot gases that have been produced ascend and pre heat the charge.

The cupolas in majority of the cases have drop down doors. The bottoms can be dropped down to facilitate the cleaning and the repairs. At bottom in front of the furnace is a tap hole. The molten metal is removed from the tap hole. At the rear there is also another slag hole. On the top of the stag you will find that it is covered with a spark or what is also called a fume arrester.

Usually the cupola has a diameter of 405 to 2000 mm. It is operated on varying fuels for different metal ratios. The molten metal that can be produced in the copula of this size at a speed of 1 to 30 tones per hour.

Continuity of process: After the process of melting has ended, the charging is halted. However, the blast of hot air is always maintained till all the metal has been melted and has been taken out from the tap hole. When the air cools down, the doors at the bottom are opened and the residue that has been left behind is removed.           


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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Learn about the basics of Casting Sand

Metal Casting

Green Sand: Green sand is also called as foundry sand or molding sand. This is utilized for sand Metal Casting . When this sand is oiled or moistened, it has a tendency to pack well and retain the shape. Green sand is a mix of pulverized coal, water, bentonite clay and sand. Out of these four components, the biggest part is that of the sand.  There are several proportions of these four components. The different ratios are used to adjust the surface finish, moldability and capacity of the hot molten metal to degas. The prime use of this sand is in the Metal Casting . The coal is usually called as sea coal in foundries. Sea Coal and the amount of Sea Coal is less than five percent. It undergoes partial combustion when there is molten metal present and this causes offgassing of organic vapors.

Green sand is stored in flasks (as the casters call the container). What these boxes are are boxes that don't have a bottom or lit to them. This box is divided into two half parts and these are connected together. These halves are called as the top or cope and bottom or drag flask.

As per its name, green sand is not green in color. The word “green” is used as it is used in the wet state.

Casting Sand: Some Casting sands are oil bonded and foundry mix sand. This is a mixing of oil, resin and sharp fine silica sand. Such a mix can be utilized in sand casting of all varieties of metals. Some casting sands consist of 20 percent more oil and resin as compared to other brands. The objective is to ascertain the best mix for maximum green power and the best finish for the surface, that is possible.

A good sand to use for casting sand is an oil bonded sand and can be used as a substitute for water bonded green sand. The advantage over traditional, older sands is that as water is absent, the sand does not steam like the traditional sands. This sand is nice because its much more secure to use than green sand. The reason is that potentially explosive quantities of steam are not generated. Due to this dearth of steam generation and the smooth texture of the sand, the oil bonded sand results in a smoother surface finish. The novice can use these sands and get professional results.

Use of casting sand: The same techniques, patterns and tools that are used for water bonded sands can be used for oil bonded casting sands. As the sand has better adhesive properties, there are fewer hassles with loose sand in the impression. The difference is that water cannot be used to manage loose sections. However, as the self adhesion is better, there are fewer problems of crumbling.

When the oil comes in contact with molten metal, it does not burn. When the castings are being shaken out, it is advisable to take off the sand that is burned. This sand that is burned can then be mixed again in the pile of fresh sand. It reabsorbs oil and works very well. After repeated use of this sand, the oil gets depleted. In this case, around 30W of non-detergent motor oil can be used to reload the sand with oil.


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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Metal Casting Crucibles

Metal Casting

A pot in which metal is held, while melting in a furnace is called as a “Crucible.” It is made of silicon carbide and clay graphite.

Shapes of a Crucible: One shape of a crucible is the shape of a barrel and this type of Crucible is called a Blige Shapped Crucible. The part of the crucible in the middle region is called as a bilge. This is the widest part of the crucible and has the maximum diameter. The top of the Casting crucible has lesser diameter than the bilge. The base of the crucible has lesser diameter than the top. As per a thumb rule, the # of a bilge crucible is the number of pounds of aluminum that it would hold. For bronze and brass, thrice the # can be held. For instance, a #5 bilge crucible can hold almost 5 pounds of aluminum and 15 pounds of brass. This thumb rule is applicable for bilge shape only.

If you are looking at an "A" shaped crucible, you will see that it has a narrow bottom and a wider top so that it looks like the shape of an "A". What these are tend to be mostly straight sides and then these straight sides are bent outwards. The diameter continuously increases from the base to the top. As it is simpler to manufacture this shape than the bilge one, the A shaped crucible has a lesser cost. When compared with the equivalent bilge style, the capacity of the A shaped crucible is lesser.

Both the above mentioned shapes can be manufactured in Clay graphite and silicon carbide.

Properties of crucibles: A crucible must be able to bear the extremely high temperatures of the molten metal. For this, the melting point of the material used to create the crucible must be more than the melting point of the metal that in placed in the crucible. Also, the crucible material must have excellent strength even in the white hot state.

For melting metals like aluminum and zinc, a steel crucible made at home can be used. The reason is that the melting point of aluminum and steel is lesser than steel. In this case, the interior surface of the steel Metal Casting crucible undergoes flaking or scaling. Due to this scale, the molten metal is polluted. The thickness of the crucible walls decreases fast. Hence, a coating of marcote-7 is applied to the inner surface of the steel crucible. The use of steel crucibles is okay if the contamination due to the scales is not regarded serious.

Materials used: To construct a Metal Casting crucible, the usual refractory materials (i.e. carbon bonded silicon carbide and clay graphite) can survive the extremely high temperatures of work of a foundry. In addition, silicon carbide is a very durable material.

Some of the clay graphite crucibles can be used up to 2750 degrees Fahrenheit. Some A shaped crucibles are used up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. These crucibles can be used to handle gold, silver, bronze, brass, aluminum and zinc alloys.

The A shaped crucibles have a rough surface finish and there are dents along the rims. However, this roughness does not interfere with the performance by any means.

While handling crucibles, correctly fitting tongs must be used. In correct tongs can lead to damage or total failure of the crucible. When you look at the base of the furnace and crucible, its very important that there is a disk of cardboard or some other coating that is between.


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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Learn about the basics of Iron Casting, types of IronCasting, and the process of Iron Casting

Metal Casting

Iron Metal Casting can be referred to as products made out of melted iron molecules. These molecules are, first, poured into mold and allowed to cool. They are then extracted. The casting properties depend a great deal on the foundry practice. They also depend on the cooling rate. Iron contains huge carbon concentrations. This content facilitates melting, simplicity of casting, and machining. Iron casting designs have a great variation owing to the property of iron to resist shrinkage during the process of cooling. The end product attains a great reputation for its strength and durability. Tensile strength ranges between 20,000 psi and over 60,000 psi. The values of hardness (without heat treatment) range between 100 and 300 BHN.

Some factors need to be considered while buying iron Metal Casting . The first thing on the agenda should be, checking the quality of foundry used in products and procedures. This should be done because foundry practices determine the casting properties. The consumer might have a tough time in finding the apt one. Secondly, the concentration of carbon should be looked into. The percentage of carbon commonly ranges between 2.5 and 4%. An addition of even 0.Even the small amount of 1% would cause the strength to decrease by the large number of 2700 psi. Every foundry has different ways of doing things which means their casting procedures will be different from each other.

Green sand molding is the most commonly used type of Casting . Normally, small and medium sized products are produced using this type of casting. Shell molding is preferred for bigger applications. Shell molding facilitates cooling of the mold containing heated metal. This process gives a better finishing to the final product as compared to all the other processes. Centrifugal casting is used for producing big cylinders and pipes. Both, producer and consumer would get highly satisfied if a proper blend of correct casting process and reputed foundry is made.

Iron castings are utilized extensively in machinery, automotive, and agricultural industry. Parts such as turbine and pump housings, dynamometer bases, compressors are made out of iron castings. Majority of manufacturers have the caliber to go for high and low production outputs. They are also entitled to go for short order runs. Sometimes you will find standard prototypes that will ensure the highest customer satisfaction and best accuracy possible. Some manufacturers provide finishing services like galvanizing, painting, and machining as well. In general, iron castings include alloy casting, ductile castings, and malleable castings. There are some terms relating to iron castings. They need to be known in order to get a fair idea of iron.

Brinell Hardness Number (BHN): It can be defined as the method used for measuring the hardness of iron. For iron castings, a metal ball of 3000Kg is put on a flat iron piece. After the removal of ball, indentation observed is recorded. This measurement indicates the value of hardness.

Tensile Strength: Tensile strength can be defined as the quantity of bending and stretching undergone by a material before tearing or breaking. Here the metal is iron.

Modulus of Elasticity: It can be defined as the ratio of stress to strain. This value determines the elasticity as well as the stiffness of the concerned material.


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Monday, October 20, 2008

What are the Types of Aluminum Casting

Metal Casting

Aluminum is amongst those metals which can be ‘cast’ by every process used in metal casting. These processes, in descending order of quantity of aluminum  casting are: die casting, permanent mold Casting , sand casting, plaster casting, investment casting, and continuous casting. The Metal Casting process is selected on the basis of factors such as cost, feasibility, quality, etc.

Feasibility is not a problem, as all the above methods are quite practicable. However, the most suitable casting method can be decided according to the design features or dimensions.  For instance-Large products are made using sand casting. The quality factor is also important in selecting the casting process. Quality refers to both, mechanical properties (ductility and strength) and soundness (surface imperfections, cracking, and porosity freedom).

The methods most commonly used can be described as follows:

Die Metal Casting : As per the statistics, around $2.5m worth of die-castings of aluminum  alloys are produced in the US alone every year. The process of die casting utilizes almost two times the tonnage of aluminum  alloys as the combination of other casting processes. Die casting is best suited for large quantity production of relatively tiny parts. Aluminum die castings upto 50 Kg of weight can be produced if casting-machine costs and high tooling are justified.

Some common applications of die cast aluminum  alloys are inclusive of alloy 380.0 for Lawnmower housings, Alloy A380.0 for streetlamps housings, dental equipment, typewriter frames, Alloy 360.0 for frying skillets, instrument cases, cover plates, parts needing corrosion resistance, Alloy 413.0 for outboard parts of motor like connecting rods, pistons, housing, and Alloy 518.1 for conveyor components, escalator parts, aircraft, marine hardware.

Die castings cannot be easily heated or welded due to entrapped gases. Efforts are being on the war footing to overcome this obstacle. The die castings of aluminum  alloys are generally produced using aluminum -silicon-copper alloys. This alloy family gives an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and cost, along with respite from ‘hot shortness’ and high fluidity which are mandatory for easy casting. To avoid corrosion or resit it better than other alloys, look for an alloy with a lower copper content and this should help.

‘Permanent Mold’ casting: ‘Permanent mold’ casting is best suited for high-volume production. Their size is larger than ‘die castings’. These castings have a very low pouring rate. They are gravity-fed. Outstanding mechanical properties are exhibited by ‘permanent mold’ castings. There is a lot of scope for further improvement if they are given heat treatment.

Alloy 366 is one of the most widely used allows of aluminum permanent mold casting.0 for automotive pistons, Alloys 355.0, A357.0, C355.0  for impellers, timing gears, compressors, missile and aircraft components, Alloys A356.0, 356.0 for aircraft wheels, parts of machine tools, pump parts, valve bodies, marine hardware, and 296.0, 333.0, 319.0.

Sand casting: This type of casting involves formation of casting mold (with sand). It is inclusive of conservative sand casting & lost-foam casting. One of the first ones is really a three step process: Forming a Pattern of Sand, Pouring the Molten Metal Into It, and Breaking the Molten Metal once the Product is Formed. When you are using a lost foam pattern, you are using a dispensible pattern of foam that goes into the mold. The rest of the procedure is the same as conservative sand casting.


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Sunday, October 19, 2008

What Metal Casting Supplies are Needed for Metal Casting

Metal Casting

Some of the Metal Casting supplies are described below.

Cast cutters and blades: There are two varieties of cast cutter blade for plaster casts – 2 inches and 2.5 inches. This comprises of one blade and in most of the cutters, stainless steel blades fit in. This has a maintenance free operation and is comfortable to use. There is a high torque motor and an ON / OFF switch. The Cast cutter blade for synthetic casts is also available in two sizes – 2 inches and 2.5 inches. This has the same features as mentioned above. The Hercules Plaster Shears 7.5 inches is a Hercules heavy duty bandage and plaster shears 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) and has a serrated blade. The Cast cutter heavy duty with metal housing consists of one 2 inches fiberglass blade. In most of the cutters, a stainless steel blade can be fitted. Twelve is the length.5 inches and weight is 3 lbs 13 oz. This is specially lubricated for greater service and more comfort. The heavy duty can be used in both clinical use and fabrication setting.

Cast padding: The specialist Metal Casting padding 3 inches X 4 yards is made up of micro pleated cotton fabric that stretches more than 50 percent. There is no need to tear and tuck for a smooth and comfortable fit. This is also available in sizes of 4 inches X 4 yards as well as 2 inches X 4 yards. The Sof Rol padding 3 inches X 4 yards is made of 100 percent surgical grade rayon. This is also available in sizes of 2 inches and 4 inches X 4 yards.

Metal Casting splinting materials: The orthoplast II splint material plain is available in size of 18 inches X 24 inches X 1/8 inch. The setting time is 3 to 4 minutes. The finished splints can be butt bonded, hinged, bonded, strapped and riveted. There is a wax coated surface. This is self adhering when heated. This is majorly designed for upper extremities. Hand Splints is where this really comes in handy. Its the contours of the body that is molds to so you don't get any wrinking which is very good. The orthoplast splinting material plain is available in sizes of 18 inches X 24 inches X 1/8 inch. This is made of a low heat thermo plastic material and is highly comfortable. After this material is heated, it can be molded or cut to any shape and adheres to itself. This material can be butt bonded, hinged, bonded, strapped and riveted. This can also be used in cylindrical casting procedures.

Heat gun: This is of two types – heat gun and master heat gun 220 volt.

Splinting pans: The forma splint 14 inches X 10 inches is an extremely compact and lightweight design. So, it is perfect for small splinting needs or for varying spots. This has a stainless steel working tank of dimensions 13 inches X 9.5 inches X 1.25 inches. This has a lexan cover. The water temperature should be between 150 degrees and 190 degrees and this is maintained by a thermostat that continually monitors the temp. There is a high heat safety switch and grounded hospital grade plug. The empty weight of this device is 5.5 lbs. The Required Temperature is reached in only around 15 seconds.


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Saturday, October 18, 2008

Learn about the basics of Metal Casting Tools

Metal Casting

There are various types of Metal Casting tools. Provided below are details of some of the casting tools.

Esmarch plaster scissors: These are German stainless steel cast scissors of high quality. The entire length is 20 centimeters or 8 inches. There is a 6 centimeters slanted blade for safety of the patient. The handle for leverage is of 15 centimeters. This is perfect to cut the inner layers of synthetic cast materials or plaster.

If you are looking for good scissors for metal casting, you will want to get some Lister Bandage Scissors that are stainless steel. The size of the blade is 5.5 centimeters. It resists rust and corrosion. This scissors are perfect to remove QuickCast splints and casts.

Cast scissors for serial finger casts: These are manufactured from German stainless steel of highest quality. Nine Centimeters ends up being tht total length. There is a 1.3 centimeters slant design on the cutting surface. During cast removal, there is good patient safety and the scissors offer excellent force.

Metal Casting spreader: This has a stainless steel construction. There is a spring loaded handle to facilitate use.

Casting breaker: The length of the cast breaker is seven inches. This is an O.R. quality German instrument. This is used for lightweight cast breaking and trimming. This has deep serrated tips and is free of latex. The cast breaker is available in sizes of 9.5 inches also.

Plaster and Utility shears: The length of this instrument is 8 inches. This is a German instrument of O.R. quality. There is a spring loaded handle design that decreases the hand fatigue. This is very efficient in case of cotton or cloth wadding. It is free of latex.

Wire suture scissors: This is a stainless steel scissors of high quality. This is a perfect device to remove finger serial casts and to make tight corner cuts.

Fiskars all purpose snips: This instrument has a positive safety latch, a stainless steel spring and a comfort grip. The design is such that there is maximum power and handling ease. Its important to be able to cut a variety of materials with one tool so its good to have some stainless steel blades that are of high quality. Low temperature thermoplastics can be cut at room temperature by this device.

Aviation snips: These snips are of industry quality. Non-heated splinting material can be cut with efficiency. It can be used to cut straight lines as well as wide curves. The handles are coated with plastic to increase the comfort. What is nice is that no matter if you are right handed or left handed, the device can be used in either.

Its easier to operate spring action scissors for those with weak hands and Softouch Spring Action Scissors are the best option to help with Scissor Operation. There is a gray cushion grip. This is used to provide relief to the finger and thumb discomfort. It also absorbs squeezing pressure. The handle can be easily gripped and used in the left hand or right hand. There is a gentle spring action to open blades at the end of each cut. This offers relief to the hand and joints. There is a large slide lock for single handed operation. This also maintains the blades closed for portability and safe storage. It is free of latex.

Cast stand: The height can be adjusted. This comprises of a drip bucket. While the limb is being casted, it provides support to the arm or leg of the patient.


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Friday, October 17, 2008

Brass Casting Information and the process of Brass Casting

Metal Casting

Brass Metal Casting , as the name suggests, involves the use of brass as the molten metal. Brass casting can be carried out by the way of sand Metal Casting only. Sand casting can be defined as a ‘cast part’ produced by formation of a mold from a mixture of sand and pouring the casting liquid (mostly molten metal) into mold. Then the air-cooling of the mold takes place. It is only after the metal is solidified that the removal of the mold can take place. The metal used here is brass. It is a known fact that brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Hence, to be precise, the molten metal consists of two elements. 

Sand molding consists of two types- ‘Green sand’ molding and ‘air set’ molding. The first one consists of a blend of moisture, clay, silica sand and other additives. The second one makes use of dry sand bonded to all the above materials except moist clay, by the way of using an adhesive, which is fast curing.

At times, there is a placing of a temporary plug (in the mold cavity) to enable the formation of a channel to pour the fluid which is to be molded. The molds of the second type, i.e. Because the molds are air set, what you get out of that is a two part mold. The two parts are bottom and top. The tamping-down of the sand mixture takes place as it gets added. Many a times, the final assembly of the mold is vibrated to get the sand compacted and get the unwanted voids filled. Then the molten alloy (brass) gets poured into mold. After the solidification and cooling of brass, the separation of casting from sand mold takes place. Normally, such molds are one-time usable.

Casting Patterns: A designer or an engineer provides the design of the object to be produced. On the basis of this design, a pattern is built by an efficient pattern maker by the use of plastic, metal, or wood. Polystryene is another good choice and can aslo be used. The casting brass would get contracted during solidification. Sometimes another thing that can cause this is non-uniformity. Therefore, the size of the pattern should be a bit larger as compared to the final product. ‘Contraction Allowance’ is the name given to this difference. Brass enters the mold cavity through a runner system including sprue and other feeders.

Molding box: A molding box having multiple parts (also known as casting flask whose bottom and top halves are called drag and cope respectively) is constructed for receiving the pattern. There may be an addition of sand to nullify the defects introduced due to the pattern getting removed.

Chills: To have a proper control over metallurgical structure and solidification of brass, plates of brass, or any other metal can be placed in mold. A hard structure may get formed at these places. Chills can be used for promoting directional solidification as well.

Design Requirements: The thing in making and the pattern corresponding to it should be designed in such a way that every stage of process can get accommodated. One should be able to take away the pattern without causing any disturbance to molding sand.

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Lost Foam Casting Process

Metal Casting

Lost Foam Casting is a sub type of Investment Casting. This type of casting method uses foam pattern as the investment. This method benefits from the advantages of the foam properties helpful to make simple and cheap castings. These types of simple castings are impossible using the regular cope and drag method.

Here are the details of the Casting Process:

Foam Shaping: The original foam pattern of the Polystyrene is generally molded or carved.

Carving Polystyrene: The formed foam or polystyrene is then carved using traditional carving tools or the new-age hot-wire cutting tools. It can also be sanded easily.

Injecting Polystyrene in a Mold: Polystyrene contains pentane as a blowing agent and is commonly used for beads. The beads are pre-extended, stabilized and then blown into the mold to form pattern sections. A steam cycle forces the beads to expand fully, after this the fuse together and then it undergoes an in-mold cooling cycle. The final shape if very complex, then it is molded in sections. A cluster is formed by aging and gluing together the shaped foam sections. 

Preparing Final Mold (Investment) for Metal Casting : Gates and Raisers are generally attached to the pattern, they are also the part of the casting as this helps reduce the shrinkage. Pouring, dipping or spraying are the different methods used for coating the foam cluster with ceramic investment. The reason for this coating is that it forms a barrier and helps to prevent the molten metal to penetrate or cause sand erosion while pouring. Structural integrity of the casting is protected thanks to the coating. The cluster when dried is backed up with un-bonded sand and is placed in a flask. Proper and uniform compaction is then achieved by performing mold compaction using a vibrating table. Finally, after a lot of detailed work and proper compaction you can now pour into the mold.

Automatic pouring is the preferred method in Lost Foam Metal Casting . This is the most critical process and also a bit difficult than the traditional foundry practice. As there are no parting lines or fins to remove the cleaning is easier and requires far more less time and operations in the Lost Foam Casting process.

Advantages of Lost Foam Casting: Due to its unique properties, foam is easy to carve glue and manipulate. It also provides accurate dimensions as Lost Foam Casting is more accurate and effective than sand casting. There are no fins or parting lines the finishing process is easy and less time consuming. The elimination of cores makes complex casting designs easy. Lost Foam Casting also allows us to control the wall thickness and thus no core prints are required thus eliminating shifts or fins and also saves the trouble of sand mixing and core defects. As there are no drafts multiple levels of casting is possible. Precise gate and riser replacements are achieved. What is nice about Lost Foam Casting that sometimes, it is much easier to to cast items in this way versus other types of casting methods.  Due to simpler process and easy finishing work, the process is very cost effective and lowers the overall price of the final product.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Learn about the basics of Lost Wax, types of Lost Wax Casting, and the process of Lost Wax Casting

Metal Casting

Lost Wax Metal Casting is known as Cire Perdue in French. It is a process in which an artist’s sculpture is used to cast bronze. The Lost Wax Casting method is also known as  Investment Casting in the modern industrial world. A long time ago this process was really only used to cast lots of smal items but today you can go to a wide variety of foundries and see each foundry using the process differently. Today this developed method of Lost Wax Casting is used to make articles like fine jewelery, show pieces, dental restoration, a few specific industrial parts and also some machine tools.

Process of Lost Wax Metal Casting :
 
Rough Sculptor making: A creative artist makes an original sculptor or mold or an artwork by using raw material like wax, plaster of Paris or clay. A mixture of oil based clay and wax is preferred as these materials retain their softness.

Final Mold Making: A mold is then made as per the original sculptor. Because you have a mold that you need to put back together, you need this mold to be made up of two pieces with a shim placed between the two pieces. Molds are generally made using plaster or fiberglass or any other material that may be suitable. An inner mold of latex or vinyl or silicone is put pup preserve the details of the original art work. Generally, the original art work made of plaster mold cracks and breaks during the initial phase of deconstruction. Many a times, numerable molds are required to get the exact replica of the original art work.

Filling up the mold: Once the latex and plaster mold is complete and finished, molten wax is poured into the mold till it gets an even coating all around the mold. The thickness of the wax coating is around 1/8 inch. This process is then repeated until the desired thickness is achieved.

Removal of wax replica: The hollow wax replica of the original art work is then removed from the mold. It would be nice if you could reuse the mold a variety of times but becausee there is significant wear and tear it really can only be used one time.

Softening: Each wax mold is then chased or softened using heated metal tools. The metal tools are rubbed around portions that show cracks or the joining line of the mold, where the pieces have come together. Separately molded wax pieces are then heated and attached. All of the imperfections will now be dressed since the mold is finished. The final piece then looks like a bronze sculpture.

Making paths for molten bronze: It is also known as “spuring”, in short the wax copy is then branched with treelike wax, so that the molten bronze reaches the right parts and also it helps the air to escape. The critical and careful spuring begins from the top of the wax copy. The top of the copy is attached to by wax cylinders to different points on the wax copy.

Slurry, burnout, testing, pouring, release, metal-chasing, and painting are the final steps in the process of Lost Wax Metal Casting .

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

How do you Cast using Gravity Casting

Metal Casting

Research and development in Casting has taken an important step in making metal products a part of our day to day lives. The products used in homes, aircrafts, artifacts, automobiles have become more durable and less expensive. Cast alloy parts are formed by melting the alloy and then pouring it in a mold under heavy pressure or vacuum. Casting is also known as vacuum casting. It is a technique in which large diameter filaments are used with adequate separation. This ensures that no clusters are formed and also good metal wetting of the fiber is guaranteed. This technique was first used in 1970. The gravity casting method has advantages like cost effective, good quality, and process control over other casting techniques.

Gravity casting is done in ceramic molds, sand, permanent casting and also in investment or lost wax casting. The Metal Casting process was started with common steel after successful implementation it was further tried on heat resistance super alloys. With recent development and with more refined methods today even titanium alloys are being cast using the gravity casting method and using ceramic crucibles. The use of desired mold designs and also specially made unique designs enable a reduction in the metal cast to yield the given part. This also helps in reducing the amount of energy that is used in making such casting articles.

With new developments, today even computerized control of the vacuum pressure and rate is possible. The rate of fill can now be controlled by the user because of this. This makes casting of high quality metals like and viscous metals like metal matrix and composites of aluminum casting possible. This gravity casting method is used to produce casting worth of more than $200 million. The industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to the increase in production of automotive exhaust manifolds in stainless steel.

This computerized technology was made and used by a man named Howmet from Michigan. They used this technology to precisely cast and design turbine blades used in aircrafts. This technology is also being used by Ford Motors to develop and improve the casting process of light truck and automobile engine blocks.

Today, metal parts fabricated using gravity casting method is being used in 90 per – cent of all durable goods. Goods like stoves, washing machine, automobiles, refrigerators, lawn mowers, cars and even boats. Many other articles like badminton rackets, tennis rackets, and even football studs are made by using light weight metals which are gravity casting method. This gravity casting method has been used to develop metal alloy parts, which are used for the auto and airline industries, which is said to make vehicles lighter though much stronger and extremely efficient.

Casting grade iron and casting grade steel are some of the typical metals that may be used when one is gravity casting. Also die cast grade zinc can be cast using gravity casting method. Also other raw materials like sand, spin or plaster are used. Aluminum is also used, but it is very difficult to gravity cast aluminum a lot of care needs to be taken and proper pressure should be applied to obtain the desired shape and effect. 


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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Injector Torch, Cutting Torch, and other Metal Casting Torches Described

Metal Casting

Oxy-fuel cutting and oxy-fuel welding can be described as the processes of using oxygen and fuel gases to either cut or weld metals.These two processes when looked at more closely are very different from one another. In the first process, a cutting torch is made use of for heating ferrous metal to a temperature of around 980 degree Celsius. An oxygen stream is being trained on a hot metal that combines with iron chemically which later flows from the kerfs, or cut in the form of slag of iron oxide. In the second process, a ‘welding torch’ is made use of for welding metals.

If a torch takes the air and burns the inside fuel then is really will not be called an Oxy-Fuel Torch. They stand out owing to the use of single tank. Really, this happens because you need two tanks and oxygen and fuel for welding. It’s not possible to melt some of the metals with single-tank torches. As you can imagine, you can not use these types of torches for welding but only for tasks such as brazing and soldering. A metal-cutting torch is better known as hot blue spanner, blue wrench, hot wrench, smoke wrench, and gas-axe.

Types of Casting Torches: The torch can be defined as the part held and manipulated by the welder to get the weld made. It possesses a valve and connection for oxygen and the same things for fuel gas, a handle to obtain the grip, an integrating chamber (angularly set) where there occurs a mixing of oxygen and fuel gas, with a tip where formation of flame takes place. The fuel gases used along with oxygen include propylene, propane, hydrogen gas, MAPP gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and the most widely used is acetylene. 

Injector Casting Torch: It can be defined as an archetypal oxy-fuel torch, also known as an equal-pressure torch. It carries out the mixing of mere two gases. The injector torch operates in such a way that high pressure oxygen comes out of the tiny nozzle present in the torch head, and the fuel gas gets dragged towards it via the venturi effect.

Rose-bud Torch: The use of this torch is to carry out the heating of metals for straightening, bending, etc. It is generally used where a huge area requires heating. It produces a rose-bud shaped flame at the end, hence the name. This torch can carry out the function of heating small areas like rusted bolts and nuts as well. However, here, filler rod won’t be used with torch.

Cutting Metal Casting Torch: The head of the cutting torch is used for cutting metal. Its identification details are as follows: The inside of the torch consists of a combination of oxygen and acetylene. It helps in producing flame of a high temperature. It consists of 3 pipes going to a nozzle at 90 degree. It also contains an oxygen-blast trigger which blasts away the material during its cutting by the way of providing oxygen.

Welding Torch: The welding torch consists of either 1 or 2 pipes running towards the nozzle without oxygen-blast trigger. As the name suggests, it performs the function of welding.


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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Cast Jewelry and the process of Casting Jewelry

Metal Casting

Casting Jewelry is a process in which liquid material made from heating metals, is poured in a module, to give the liquid a desired shape. Then the liquid is cooled and a solid object in the desired shape and size is obtained. Casting Jewelry is the latest “in-thing” in the fashion markets. This jewelry is made from different materials like silver, aluminum, gold, bronze, alloy metals and even plated casting jewelry is available.

Casting Jewelry is very attractive and delicate. These are really made with machines but you can always find hand made jewerly in various markets. This type of jewelry can be available at a very low, as well as high costs, depending on the design and material and design that you choose. Casting Jewelry is very fragile and should be handled with out most care as it can break easily. With the advent of casting jewelry, the fashion world has benefited a great deal. Today, free flowing designs, multicolored jewelry and even a special made to order jewelry is available in the market.

Before this, it was difficult to cast a metal in a desired shape but today it is as simple as it gets, all you need is a creative mind to create new designs and a group of well qualified workers and good machinery to make your own casting jewelry. This also gives you an option to make your own series of new designs. Casting jewelry is being widely used across the globe. With the prices of gold increasing day by day and with the entry of new metal jewelry like platinum, casting jewelry slowly but surely is making a mark in the fashion world. With the cost silver plated casting jewelry, the dream of wearing a new necklace or a new ear-ring everyday is a reality. You can actually afford new set of jewelry everyday. There are also costly models made of pure gold and delicate designs and with embedded diamonds that are available. 

Metal Casting is not only about fashion, it has also opened a new avenue for small scale businesses. With proper knowledge and machinery, you can start your own company and make casting jewelry. Its nice because you don't need a lot of money or you don't have to use expensive material to get started. A small store room in your house will also be sufficient to set up your casting jewelry work-shop. You can then design your own range or hire a professional jewelry designer to create your range of jewelry.

Metal Casting has also helped the educational branch of “jewelry designing” grow considerably. Really Jewelry Casting and Jewelry Making is right in line now with the fashion designers. Many young students are nowadays looking at jewelry designing as a full time career.

Sometimes plated casting jewerly will start to loose its coating of gold or silver if it is used on a daily basis which is really a drawback of this type of jewelry casting. If they come in contact with water regularly, then they can turn black. You can get them re-plated and use them. As casting jewelry is very fragile and delicate, even a slight mishap can change its shape or even break it.


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Friday, October 10, 2008

DIY Bronze Furnace, DIY Casting Furnaces, and other Metal Casting Furnaces

Metal Casting

DIY Bronze Furnace are nothing but Do It Yourself casting furnaces. One can make variety of furnaces. The procedure of some of them can be described as follows:

DIY Casting Furnace : Theoretically, only three things are required for implementing induction heating: High frequency Electrical Power Source, work coil for generating an alternating magnetic field, and a workpiece-electrically conducive. When you take a look at the practical approach, it is extremely complicated. For instance, the work coil and High Frequency source’ should have a matching network in between, to obtain better power transfer. Use of water cooling systems is very common in induction heaters of high power. This facilitates removal of waste heat from the matching circuit of the work coil and the coil itself. This process involves application of control electronics as well. Control Electronics, as the name suggests, controls the heating action’s intensity, thereby ensuring consistent results. It also provides protection against unpleasant operating conditions.

Usually, the incorporation of work coil takes place into a resonant tank circuit. There are innumerable advantages of this. The first advantage is that any one of the parameters, i.e. voltage or current is made sinusoidal. This causes fewer losses to inverter by the way of allowing it getting benefited from either zero-current-switching or zero-voltage-switching corresponding to the arrangement chosen. The visibility of sinusoidal waveform at work coil gives the proof of purity of signal. There also occurs less interference of radio frequency with the equipment in its vicinity. The designer is the one that can choose between the various themes.

DIY Bronze Furnace: The making of DIY Bronze Furnace involves taking silica bricks of 9 inches X 4 ½ inches X 2 ½ inches in the first place. After that, one is supposed to put a steel plate having dimensions 18 inches X 24 inches at the place where he intends building the furnace. In other words, the steel plate should be used as a base. The construction of furnace should start thereafter. It is advisable to keep the circumference of the furnace as 14 inches. A small hole of diameter 3 inches should be made at a height of 5.5 inches above the floor. Let the height of the cylindrical furnace be 11 ½ inches (including floor). This hole is to be used for inserting the burner.

The cutting of the burner port should be done in such a way that it acts as a perfect tangent to furnace. This should be done in order to make the flames whirl around crucible, thereby hitting it indirectly. Toxic fumes are what happens when you are casting bronze which surprises a lot of people. Therefore, it is always advised to perform the casting task in the area which has ample ventilation. Wearing of safety clothing is recommended. After the completion of furnace (including the cutting of hole to get the fitting of one’s biggest crucible enabled), it should be permitted to dry. At that time, trawling of water, vermiculite, and kaolin clay on the exterior is recommended. The immediate use should be strictly avoided, as it may develop cracks. After drying, let the furnace be heated slowly to reduce ‘kaolin paste’ cracking.
 


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Thursday, October 9, 2008

Learn about DIY Metal Casting and Basic Metal Casting Tips

Metal Casting

Casting can be defined as a process of manufacturing, which implies pouring of a ‘liquid’ material into ‘A Mold’ containing a desired shaped hollow cavity, and then made to solidify. The next step is to take the formed casting and break it out of the mold so you can complete the process. The use of casting is ‘forming hot liquid metals’ or numerous metals that are cooled after having the components like clay, plaster, concrete, and epoxies mixed. A lot of times, you will find complex shapes being casted because casting allows you to do this. Casting came into being around 6000 years ago. ‘Copper Frog’ is the most ancient casting existing till date since 3200 BC. The process of casting has two distinct subdivisions: non-expendable and expendable mold casting.

‘Non-expendable’ mold casting: This technique is inclusive of at least 4 distinct methods: continuous, centrifugal, die, and permanent casting.

Continuous casting: Continuous Metal Casting can be defined as a refined process of casting for high-volume, continuous production of ‘metal sections’ with constant cross-section. The pouring of molten metal into a water-cooled, open-ended copper mold takes place. This allows a ‘layer’ of ‘solid metal’ to be formed above the ‘still-liquid’ center. Continuous casting is widely accepted due to its cost-effectiveness. The metals continuously cast are aluminum, copper, and steel.

Centifugal casting: Centrifugal Casting is independent of both-pressure and gravity. This is because its own ‘force feed’ is created by the way of using a ‘temporary sand mold’ in ‘spinning chamber’ at 900 N. Lead time is variant with respect to application. True- and semi-centrifugal processing allow 30 to 50 pieces/hr. The batch processing has an upper limit of around 9000 Kg (practically). This method used to be applied for ‘Casting of Railway Wheels’. It was developed by the company called ‘Krupp’. It had a German origin. Jewelry is normally cast by this method.

Die-casting: Die Casting can be defined as a process of ‘forcing molten metal’ into cavities of mold under high pressure. These castings comprise of nonferrous metals, especially-alloys of aluminum, copper, and zinc. It is even possible to make die castings of metal. The method of die casting is used where finer parts are needed.

‘Permanent Mold Casting’: This casting is made up of non-ferrous metals. It requires some time to set up (some weeks), after which the production rate of about 5 to 50 pieces/hour-mold is achieved. The coating of ‘acetylene soot’ is applied to steel cavities. This helps in removing the work piece easily and promoting longer life (of tools). Permanent molds possess a limited life span. For worn molds, replacement or refinishing is required.

Expendable mold casting: ‘Expendable Mold casting’ can be referred to as a standard classification inclusive of the following:

Sand casting: It is amongst the simplest and most popular casting types used since ages. It involves very small size operations. The bonding of sand takes place by use of clays (as in ‘green sand’) or ‘polymerized oils’, or ‘chemical binders’. Recycling is easily possible.

When you use Plaster Casting for metals its just like sand casting except you insert plaster where you would have had sand. Similarly, there are also plastic and concrete castings.


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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

CRT Monitors

A CRT Monitor is one of the most common types of computer monitors used today. The other most common monitor being the more recent invent, the LCD monitor. But what are the differences between the two models? How can you be sure that a CRT monitor is right for you? The main step is understanding the difference and the benefits of each type.

 

What is a CRT?

 

CRT is an abbreviation of cathode-ray tube. A CRT works by moving an electron beam back and forth across the back of the screen. Each time the beam makes a pass, it lights the phosphor dots on the inside of the glass tube. This illuminates the active portions of the screen, and by drawing many of these lines from the top to bottom of the screen, it creates the image or images you see on your computer screen.

 

Comparing CRT and LCD

 

Size-wise, the CRT monitor is much larger than the newer LCDs that are more compacted and lightweight. Due to the presence of the cathode-ray tube unit inside, adequate desk space must be allowed for CRT monitor that offers an added advantage of a larger viewing display size. LCDs, however, are becoming increasingly comparable in size to CRT monitors.

 

Many CRT monitors are able to display unlimited colors as well as multiple video resolutions. Both of these factors give CRT a leg up on LCD monitors that are limited in color capability and resolution. The CRT monitors can display multiple resolutions at the same quality while LCDs are limited to what is known as a Native resolution (the best display resolution).

 

CRT monitors generally do not have an issue with brightness due to the construction of the unit itself. The CRT also has the benefit of being able to be viewed from a very wide angle and from just about ever side.

 

While CRT monitors are generally cheaper than their LCD counterparts, the long-term costs of the CRT over the LCD are higher. CRTs consume much more energy than LCD monitors.

 

CRT Monitors in the Workplace

 

While LCDs have decreased in prices over the years, CRT monitors still have their fans in industry. The printing and broadcasting industry as well as other graphic fields (where higher resolution and viewing capabilities are needed) still use, almost exclusively, CRT monitors. Professional video and photography businesses are also still using CRTs because of the better color and contrast abilities.

 

Finding CRT Monitors

 

Deciding what type of monitor you purchase depends on your individual needs. Many major manufacturers of CRT monitors have discontinued or plan to discontinue production of these monitors. So, if you wish to purchase a CRT model, you may find yourself having to search harder than originally hoped.  However, be diligent, even with the newer models of LCD monitors becoming available with new capabilities, CRT monitors still have them beat in many important areas.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Casting Groups and Associations Described

Casting

Metal Casting has endured through the ages since the time of Ancient Egypt, possibly longer. Since then small foundries have developed to meet the needs of the individual caster. There are several reasons that people choose to create their own home grown foundries. A top reason is the need to create parts and pieces that are no longer available on the market or that are just too expensive to purchase. Those who get into Casting for this reason are usually interested in restoration projects, home improvement projects, or hobby building like model planes and trains. Artists are the other group that see metal casting as a cheap and easy way to create sculptures from small to large. Jewelers even use metal casting to create complex pieces that would just otherwise be impossible to create.

Given the wide scope of metal casting there are several methods and techniques that have developed. For those new to metal casting or for those wanting to try some of these other methods may find it difficult to find information on your own. Luckily, there are several metal casting associations and groups that are more then willing to share information and exchange ideas, projects, and pictures of the goings on in the their home foundries.

On the internet, Metal Casting associations and groups are either message boards full of casters where they can ask questions, post ideas, and pictures or are websites that are maintained by a set group of people offering general information and educational resources.

Both of these types of websites are incredibly helpful to metal casters who can benefit from the educational purposes of some of the sites tempered with the real life applications and experiences of the message boards.

The majority of the information that will be easy to find will be geared at industrial and manufacturing foundries versus the small home foundry. Industrial metal casting sites can be wonderful sources of information so do not skip by these. Use both small metal casting sites and industrial sites to your advantage.

If you are looking for a great group online, you should visit the Casting Hobby Group found through Yahoo Groups. This casting group was developed and maintained by experienced metal casters and enjoys a high amount of activity. This is a great place to go to for quick information and ideas not to mention photos and even furnace building plans.

The Casting Hobby Group can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/castinghobby/

The Association of Backyard Metal Casters is located at http://www.abymc.com/.  This online metal casting association has an extensive membership complete with informative articles, forums, and even live chat. Of course, pictures are posted on the site to give visitors ideas about what other furnaces and foundries look like. Don't worry if you're foundry isn't pretty, there actually doesn't seem to be very many of them that are.

Now, The American Foundry Society is mainly for the industrial metal casters and companies but they also promote information and education to consumers. The information provided on the site is great for anyone wishing to follow advancements in metal casting technology. There is even an online store.

http://www.afsinc.org/ is the online home for the American Foundry Society.

For the most part metal casting associations and groups exist on the local level more than a unifying force on the web. What does exist on the web is a great source of information, ideas, and insight. It is a great idea to join any of the groups you can in order to share and find knowledge.
 
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Sunday, October 5, 2008

Metal Casting Processes and Metal Casting Techniques Described

Metal Casting

There are various casting processes being implemented now days. The oldest amongst them is sand casting. Metal Casting is also widely used. They can be described as follows:

Sand Casting: Sand Casting involves formation of mold from a mixture of sand and to pour a casting liquid, most probably, a molten metal into mold. Then, you wait a while and let the metal harden up so then you can remove the mold. There are two methods or types of sand molding and those are the green sand method and the air set method. The first one consists of mixture of clay, moisture, silica, and many other additives. The second one consists of mixture of dry sand and other materials, not moist clay. They are mixed with the help of a quick curing adhesive. When one beginds to use all of these materials together, it is now a process that is called air set.

At times, there is temporary plug placed to pour the fluid which is to be molded. Air-set molds usually form molds consisting of two parts-the bottom and the top. The mixture of sand gets tamped down after its addition. It does not generate any by-product. After the solidification and cooling of metal, the mold gets usually destroyed. This is because its removal involves a lot of breaking and cracking. The casting accuracy depends a great deal on the sand and the process of molding used. Castings composed of green sand result into formation of rough texture on casting surface, and this characteristic makes them easily recognizable. In reality, studies show that molds that are air-set produce the smoothest castings.

Many a times, the casting process results in losing of components of sand mixture. It is possible to reuse green sand by the way of adjusting the composition to get the lost additives and moisture replenished. The entire pattern itself is eligible to be reused for producing novel sand molds. The method of reuse can be continued for an indefinite period. In 1950, casting process got automated partially. They have been in great demand for developing production lines since then. 

Spin Casting: Spin Casting is better known as Centrifugal Rubber Mold Casting (CRMC). It implies utilization of centrifugal force for producing castings out of rubber mold. As a customary practice, a mold having shape of a disc gets spun through its ‘central axis’ at a pre-decided speed. The material used for casting is usually thermoset plastic in the liquid form or a molten metal. It gets poured into the mold through the opening at its centre. Corresponding to the solidification of metal, or the setting of thermoset plastic, the spinning of the filled mold takes place.

Normally, organic rubber or vulcanized silicone is used as a mold-making substrate in spin casting. Vulcanization takes place in the middle of process of mold-making. After the successful completion of vulcanization process, venting and gating must be undergone by the mold. This implies carving of channels for ensuring proper material flow and air during the course of casting. A scalpel or knife is used to carry out the above two processes. The mold complexity is directly proportional to the time required in implementation of venting and gating.  


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