The molds are designed in CorelDRAW then exported to AutoCAD .dxf format, depth and draft are added then it gets converted to a cut path and g-code is generated then the design gets cut on a CNC Router.
It's a lot of work...
Then it's even more work to sand it smooth, polish & powder coat it.
I use casting plaster (KerrLab Satin Cast 20) on lost wax applications.
Ah ok - Just curious because I've been wanting to start metal melting/casting for a while now, would like to make my own foundry/etc but. idk not sure i have everything needed & exactly how to do it. I've watched quite a few vids tho & got most of it down, Im just not sure what to use as a crucible, & if i make it out of steel what all could i melt in it without the crucible melting. I've accumulated most of what i need, have prob 300+ lbs of casting plaster & oil to burn, some fire bricks.
Yes I have. You can make cores from plaster but they have to be dried in an oven for several hours to get the moisture out or it could explode when it comes in contact with the molten metal.
It's called "Diamond Parting #104" (tm) parting dust. It prevents the sand from sticking to the mold. It just takes time and a lot of practice to get some serious detail but keep at it and don't get discouraged by the failures because each failure will teach you something new... -Hank
how do you make such detailed templates? What would a cheap/easy alternative be to make a detailed one?
have you ever combined casting plaster & sand in any way to make molds?
AdultoysUSA 2 years ago
The molds are designed in CorelDRAW then exported to AutoCAD .dxf format, depth and draft are added then it gets converted to a cut path and g-code is generated then the design gets cut on a CNC Router.
It's a lot of work...
Then it's even more work to sand it smooth, polish & powder coat it.
I use casting plaster (KerrLab Satin Cast 20) on lost wax applications.
jdsprince 2 years ago
Ah ok - Just curious because I've been wanting to start metal melting/casting for a while now, would like to make my own foundry/etc but. idk not sure i have everything needed & exactly how to do it. I've watched quite a few vids tho & got most of it down, Im just not sure what to use as a crucible, & if i make it out of steel what all could i melt in it without the crucible melting. I've accumulated most of what i need, have prob 300+ lbs of casting plaster & oil to burn, some fire bricks.
AdultoysUSA 2 years ago
Yes I have. You can make cores from plaster but they have to be dried in an oven for several hours to get the moisture out or it could explode when it comes in contact with the molten metal.
jdsprince 2 years ago
to use the mold for cement or clay or ceramic? and that took time to heat all that aluminum?
pr5021 2 years ago
I use a tie rod fork as a rapper to loosen the part from the sand. It works really well. :D
jdsprince 2 years ago
You're welcome.
jdsprince 2 years ago
That's a difficult (for me) pattern! What is the white dust?
EmperorAst 2 years ago
It's called "Diamond Parting #104" (tm) parting dust. It prevents the sand from sticking to the mold. It just takes time and a lot of practice to get some serious detail but keep at it and don't get discouraged by the failures because each failure will teach you something new... -Hank
jdsprince 2 years ago