Posts Tagged ‘molten alloy’
Aranmula Kannadi – A Unique Metal Mirror From India
Aranmula Kannadi – A Unique Metal Mirror From India
Aranmula metal mirror is a rare piece of craft that had existed even during the Vedic period of Indian history. The myth about the origin and secret of its composition makes it a truly fascinating craft. As traditional as the mirror-making technology is, the artisans’ belief that the composition of the metal mirror is divine and some undisclosed metals alloyed with silver, bronze, copper and tin are responsible for the distortion-free images.
Aranmula Kannadi is not mass produced and is hand made with all its perfections as how one looks at it? While commercially available glass mirrors reflect an image, because of a silver coating at its rear, Aranmula Metal Mirror is the only mirror which reflects from the front plane. This had its popularity until the advent of the commercially manufactured glass mirrors which proved to be much cheaper. The demand of Aranmula Kannadi grew by bounds only a decade ago especially in foreign countries.
A huge amount of determination, perseverance and patience goes into the making of this enchanting mirror. Mud from the local paddy fields is used for the mould into which the molten alloy mix is poured to cast the mirror and the technique followed is the cire-perdue or the lost wax method of casting. Even with the utmost care, only about 60% of the cast metal mirrors can be salvaged, the rest get damaged in the process of manufacture. The metal mirror is then polished using well-ground, burnt clay powder mixed with special oil on a jute cloth. To achieve a highly reflective surface, polishing can go on from one to several days. When a satisfactory finish is achieved, the mirror is mounted on various models of artistic brass frames.
Aranmula Kannadi is unique in the make which is patent protected with a ‘Geographical indication tag’.
The British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aranmula Metal Mirror in its collection.
The Aranmula Kannadi is not created from glass but from a combination of special metal alloy.
Many people believe that owning an Aranmula Metal Mirror brings good luck, wealth and prosperity to one’s lives
Aranmula Kannadi is one among the eight auspicious items included in the “Astamangalya Set”, which is used for very auspicious occasions like marriage.
Aranmula Kannadi or Aranmula Metal Mirrors is a very special type of metal mirror produced only in Aranmula, a village in kerala, south India. Aranmula metal mirror is a precious inherited gift. The mystery of its metal combination and production is still a secret to, which handed over through generations of a single family.
We are dealing with the very special rate and authentic handicrafts from various parts of india like Aranmula Mirror, Nettur Jewel box,Balaramapuram handlooms, Pavithra ring and many others…
Article from articlesbase.com
Related Precious Metal Casting Articles
Posted in Precious Metal Casting | 
Tags: Craft, Kannadi, Metal, metal mirror, molten alloy, paddy fields | 
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Casting Patterns and Metal Casting Information
Metal casting is a useful skill that has its roots in antiquity. Weapons and sculptures were traditionally created using this method but as the DIY movement gained momentum many modern day casters have found a use for metal casting to make plumbing fixtures, door knobs, and many other items. Today, small foundries can be found in many backyards, garages, and workshops. In order to make a casting of metal, you will need a furnace capable of melting metal alloys at high temperatures. Usually, individual metal casters will construct their own furnace. There are companies that will sell small scale furnaces but they are often costly. The most common type of casting is called Sand Casting which uses sand or green sand to make the molds where the molten metal will be poured into to form the finished product. The mold is a handmade item placed in a flask which has two parts, a cope and drag. The mold is usually made of sand, but can also be created using other ingredients like latex or even metal. It is in the mold that you will set the pattern to form the mold cavity. The mold cavity will be an impression of the pattern including the fine details which will then be filled with the molten alloy. Pattern casting is an art form in itself, really, but anyone can create a pattern even if you have no artistic skill what so ever. The pattern is an original which will be cast into metal. Common pattern castings include complex engine parts for models, replicas of Civil War era weapons, sculptures, and even jewelry. The pattern can be made of any material like clay, wood, and wax. The pattern material really depends on a few factors like the casting method and the availability of the material. If you are able to carve wood then you can use this skill to make patterns. There are some casting methods that call for the patterns to be made of certain materials. An example of this is the Lost Wax Casting Method which will use wax as the pattern. When creating the mold, you will place the original into the drag of the flask and place more molding material on top forming the cope. When the mold is dry you will carefully remove the pattern revealing an impression in the mold. If you are creating your own pattern you will need to make it with Contraction allowances in mind. This contraction allowance will compensate for the shrinkage that occurs in many casting processes. In order to take out the pattern without disturbing the mold, draft allowances need to be considered as well. The pattern should have tapered edges to allow for easy removal. Many who make their own patterns will add sprues, gates, and risers to the pattern so that when castled these items will already be in the mold. These devices will allow the molten metal to find its way into the mold cavity. If you find it difficult to make your own patterns then you can pay for pattern making services; although many casters in the same situation will just learn how to make patterns to save money. Pattern casting is a valuable skill to have and can be learned rather easily.
Metal Casting Zone
Posted in Art |
Tags: Kent, Metal, metal casters, mold, mold cavity, molten alloy, pattern |
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