Posts Tagged ‘casting sand’
Metal Casting E-Course Day 4: Casting Sand
Hello,
We have an exciting topic today! It is called Casting Sand.
Sand casting is the most ancient form of metal casting and has been
around since at least Ancient Egypt. Many metal casters prefer
using sand casting over many of the other forms of processes
because it’s cheap and the sand used is readily available.
Many experienced metal casters will continue to use sand casting
even though their abilities and resources allow them to use the
other metal casting methods like Lost Wax Casting or Investment
Casting. Sand casting involves less material and less effort than
the other casting methods. Sand casting is a great way for new
casters to get into the trade.
In sand casting, the metal caster will create a mold by placing an
original in the flask which is filled with sand. The original will
be a pattern of what you want to cast. By ramming or vibrating
the sand, the caster creates a mold of the original. The casting sand
used needs to be able to retain the shape of the mold. Finding the
right mixture of sand to water is crucial. Too much water can ruin
the mold and possibly destroy it while too little water will create
a poor casting. Green sand is a type of casting sand that many
prefer since its ability to retain the shape of the mold is far
better then normal sand. Green sand usually contains bentonite clay,
sand, and water.
After the sand is packed, the pattern or original is removed carefully.
Molten metal is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The metal
caster will then break the mold and dig out the casting.
While sand casting has its benefits the use of green sand can
greatly increase the likelihood of a successful casting. Green sand
is not really green the color refers to the damp nature of the sand.
Green sand is created by adding water and bentonite to the sand.
One of the benefits of using bentonite in green sand is that it
makes the sand more permeable which allows more gas to escape.
Metal casters can get the bentonite from a variety of sources like
home improvement stores and even from household resources. Many
have milled the type of cat litter that clumps since one of the
ingredients is bentonite. Remember to work in a well ventilated
room or to wear proper face gear when working with bentonite since
it will irritate the lungs.
There are several recipes online for green sand but the most common
method is experimentation. What you are looking for when mixing the
sand, water, and bentonite is a texture that is not wet but damp
and will retain its shape when molded.
The type of sand you use to make green sand depends on you and the
availability of the sand. Many will use sand that they found out
in the wilds of nature and some will buy bags of sand like
playground sand. As you cast with green sand you will find out
which works best with what metals.
Green sand is growing in popularity as more casters are recognizing
the properties of this method. If you have traditionally used
regular sand casting, green sand casting will prove to be easier
to work with and will produce better casts.
The best part about green sand casting is that is does not cost
a lot of green.
Here is a link to a Web Page that covers this E-Course Email:
http://www.metalcastingzone.com/casting-sand/
P.S.
There is more…If you sign up as a member of Metal Casting Zone, you
will get special access to 2 Free eBooks on the site. Both of the eBooks
are about Metal Casting Basics. Here is the best part, becoming a member is Free!
Wait…Both of the Metal Casting Basics eBooks are free!
Sign Up Now to get all these Free Benefits!
http://www.metalcastingzone.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers
Posted in 7 Day eCourse | 
Tags: casting sand, Metal, metal casters, mold, Sand Casting, water | 
No Comments »
Metal Casting E-Course Day 1: Intro to Metal Casting
Hello,
Welcome to the Metal Casting seven-day E-mail course. Today you are
going on a journey. You are going to learn about the basics of
Metal Casting. I hope you are as excited as I am about this topic.
Here are the things we will be covering in the course:
What is Casting?
Die Casting
Lost Wax Casting
Casting Sand
Crucibles
Casting Furnaces
Next Steps – Casting Organizations
Lets get on with Day 1 of the Course:
What Is Casting?
Metal casting is an ancient technique that has a variety of applications and
purposes. Civilizations from the dawn of time to present day have used metal
working as a way of creating artistic, religious, and practical items.
The process of metal casting involves melting metals at high temperatures
and using molds to then shape the metal into new items. The furnaces used in
metal casting helped pave the way for the Industrial Revolution, without which
the course of history would be dramatically different. Metal casting is
just one form of metal working that has seen a recent surge in popularity as
resources are becoming more affordable and communities are springing up to
share information, ideas, and projects.
Metal casting requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and some creativity.
While metal casting is used on an Industrial level as the process cuts cost
and proves to be highly efficient, many individuals participate in metal casting
as a hobby and in artistic endeavors. Many people are drawn to metal casting
for one reason or another, although there seems to be two main motivations
that stand out. The first motivation that brings hobbyists to practice metal
casting is need; people may need to create items or parts for other ventures.
Metal casting is a great way to build hard to find pieces for models,
restoration projects, and even just small replacement parts needed for
common household items. The second motivation for using metal casting is
using it as a way to create sculptures or other artistic endeavors.
Whatever the reason, small scale metal casting is attractive because that
it can be done right at home, either in the backyard or workshop.
Individuals working in metal casting are able to create home made tools
and equipment like furnaces and molds. Metal casting is only limited by
the individual’s desire, so for those with the time and the need, virtually
anything is possible.
The actual casting process in metal casting has several forms, the most
popular being sand casting. Sand casting involves creating a mold from sand
which can be created at home, and then pouring the liquid metal into the mold.
Afterwards, the metal is allowed to air dry and the mold is removed.
This type of casting proves to be the most economical, but other types of
casting can provide fuller detail and higher quality results.
Here is a link to a Web Page that covers this first email:
http://www.metalcastingzone.com/casting-general/
Have a good one,
Ivan Irons
P.S.
There is more…If you sign up as a member of Metal Casting Zone, you
will get special access to 2 Free eBooks on the site. Both of the eBooks
are about Metal Casting Basics. Here is the best part, becoming a member is Free!
Wait…Both of the Metal Casting Basics eBooks are free!
Sign Up Now to get all these Free Benefits!
http://www.metalcastingzone.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers
Posted in 7 Day eCourse |
Tags: artistic endeavors, casting sand, course, dawn of time, Home, process |
No Comments »
Die Casting/sand Cast Model Soldiers?
Hi! I am looking for a maker of die casting/sand casting model soldiers about 2.5-3 inches. Ifanyyone has any information could they please leave me a comment I have already purchased from king and country and figarti. The soldiers I would like to be specially made are of modern soldiers. Thank you
Posted in Sculpture |
Tags: cast, casting sand, Casting/sand, die, king and country, maker, model, model soldiers, sand, Soldiers |
1 Comment »
Casting Resin, Resin Casting, Metal Casting
Metal casting is known and loved for the high temperatures, glowing molten metal, and the possibility to make nearly anything. Metal and their alloys are not the only things that can be used in casting. Casting in plastic, most notably resin casting, is becoming popular with artists and jewelers looking for something odd and unique. Resin casting does not involve the use of furnaces, crucibles, or casting sand. In fact all one really needs for resin casting is a mold, some resin (of course), and time. There are actually two forms of resin casting. The first kind is the one that more closely resembles metal casting, uses a mold and even gates and runners if it’s complex enough. The second type of resin casting is simply incasing an object in the resin. An example of this is using an ice cube tray and placing an object like a small pendant in one of the tray’s cavities and then filling it with the resin solution. After the resin dries you can pop it out of the tray. The pendant is now encased in hard plastic. This form is usually employed by jewelers and crafty moms but tends to be fun for everyone no matter age or experience. At the very least it’s a great way to get rid of some of the clutter around your house and disguise it as art. You can cast leaves, coins, and other objects in the resin to make anything from charms to magnets. Resin casting using mold is generally used by those who work with models and miniatures. Resin casting is a great way to make several pieces at once so you can avoid shelling out money you may not have and waiting several weeks for delivery of your items. Who has that kind of time anymore? Like metal casting, resin casting will require you to build a mold. If you are fortunate enough then you can easily find pre-made molds, especially if you are working with miniatures. If you don’t feel like buying these pre-made molds or just like doing things the hard way, then you will have to make the mold yourself. Don’t worry, it’s still fun. You will need to find a molding box this will hold the rubber that will be used to make the actual mold until it dries. Many who work with smaller objects find that working with toy building blocks to create this molding block work extremely well and will provide added convenience. A wooden box will work as well, of course. The box, or flask, will not have a top or bottom, just the four walls. Place molding clay at the bottom of the flask and insert your original. Make sure to add a way for the resin plastic to enter the mold. This cup or funnel should be placed at the top of the mold. You are going to prepare the silicone rubber and catalyst which will be used to create the mold. Follow the instructions on the labels since each type will vary. A process called degassing can be used which will remove all the air bubbles from the rubber. This is a fun process involving a vacuum pump. Slowly pour the rubber into the flask, covering the original. This can take up to a day to dry, so be patient. Remove the molding clay and repeat the process using the bottom part of the flask, or drag. You should have two parts now, with the original in the middle. When dry, remove the mold from the box and very carefully split the mold to remove the original. Place the mold back together and prepare the resin solution, follow the instructions to the letter. Pour the resin into the top of the mold, where you placed the cup. The set time for the resin should be stated on the bottle, but for most it will take up to 30 minutes. When ready crack the mold open and remove the cast. Resin casting can be a great family craft project but just make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines. This type of casting can still be dangerous even though you are not dealing with molten metals. Often times, the solutions and chemicals used in resin casting are poisonous if consumed. Not to mention that resin casting can be a bit smelly so working outside or in a well ventilated room is advisable.
Home Metal Casting
Posted in Art |
Tags: Casting, casting resin, casting sand, Don, Kent, mold, resin, resin casting |
No Comments »
Casting Resin, Resin Casting, Metal Casting
Metal casting is known and loved for the high temperatures, glowing molten metal, and the possibility to make nearly anything. Metal and their alloys are not the only things that can be used in casting. Casting in plastic, most notably resin casting, is becoming popular with artists and jewelers looking for something odd and unique. Resin casting does not involve the use of furnaces, crucibles, or casting sand. In fact all one really needs for resin casting is a mold, some resin (of course), and time. There are actually two forms of resin casting. The first kind is the one that more closely resembles metal casting, uses a mold and even gates and runners if it’s complex enough. The second type of resin casting is simply incasing an object in the resin. An example of this is using an ice cube tray and placing an object like a small pendant in one of the tray’s cavities and then filling it with the resin solution. After the resin dries you can pop it out of the tray. The pendant is now encased in hard plastic. This form is usually employed by jewelers and crafty moms but tends to be fun for everyone no matter age or experience. At the very least it’s a great way to get rid of some of the clutter around your house and disguise it as art. You can cast leaves, coins, and other objects in the resin to make anything from charms to magnets. Resin casting using mold is generally used by those who work with models and miniatures. Resin casting is a great way to make several pieces at once so you can avoid shelling out money you may not have and waiting several weeks for delivery of your items. Who has that kind of time anymore? Like metal casting, resin casting will require you to build a mold. If you are fortunate enough then you can easily find pre-made molds, especially if you are working with miniatures. If you don’t feel like buying these pre-made molds or just like doing things the hard way, then you will have to make the mold yourself. Don’t worry, it’s still fun. You will need to find a molding box this will hold the rubber that will be used to make the actual mold until it dries. Many who work with smaller objects find that working with toy building blocks to create this molding block work extremely well and will provide added convenience. A wooden box will work as well, of course. The box, or flask, will not have a top or bottom, just the four walls. Place molding clay at the bottom of the flask and insert your original. Make sure to add a way for the resin plastic to enter the mold. This cup or funnel should be placed at the top of the mold. You are going to prepare the silicone rubber and catalyst which will be used to create the mold. Follow the instructions on the labels since each type will vary. A process called degassing can be used which will remove all the air bubbles from the rubber. This is a fun process involving a vacuum pump. Slowly pour the rubber into the flask, covering the original. This can take up to a day to dry, so be patient. Remove the molding clay and repeat the process using the bottom part of the flask, or drag. You should have two parts now, with the original in the middle. When dry, remove the mold from the box and very carefully split the mold to remove the original. Place the mold back together and prepare the resin solution, follow the instructions to the letter. Pour the resin into the top of the mold, where you placed the cup. The set time for the resin should be stated on the bottle, but for most it will take up to 30 minutes. When ready crack the mold open and remove the cast. Resin casting can be a great family craft project but just make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines. This type of casting can still be dangerous even though you are not dealing with molten metals. Often times, the solutions and chemicals used in resin casting are poisonous if consumed. Not to mention that resin casting can be a bit smelly so working outside or in a well ventilated room is advisable.
Foundry
Posted in Art |
Tags: Casting, casting resin, casting sand, Don, Kent, mold, resin, resin casting |
No Comments »
