Lost Wax Casting
Contents |
[edit] What is lost wax casting?
Lost wax casting is a metal casting technique that utilises wax moulds to create intricate, detailed metal structures. Also known as cire perdue or precision casting, molten metal is poured into casts created from wax sculptures. Lost wax casting allows the creation of thin walls and lightweight components.
[edit] Lost wax casting process
Casting metal components using the lost wax casting process allows you to create precise components with difficult structures:
- A wax model is created. This model can only be used once. Large scale productions 3D print prototypes for quick results.
- Once the wax model has been created the cast must be created. This can be done in a number of ways. A popular technique is to surround the wax mould in plaster until it solidifies.
- The wax-plaster mixture is then heated up so the wax melts and can be removed from the cast.
- Molten metal is then poured into the mould until it has solidified.
- The plaster is then removed leaving the metal structure. From there the metal component is then machined and trimmed to the desired shape.
[edit] History of lost wax casting
This form of metal casting is first recorded 6,000 years ago, used by the Indus Valley Civilization to create a copper, wheel-shaped amulet. Early practises used wax from beehives to create the desired structure. In ancient Athens, they used to use clay moulds to create casting for statues and jewellery.
[edit] Positives and negatives of lost wax casting
Positives:
- It can be used to create complex shapes, with very delicate features.
- It can save material waste and can be used for mass production.
- It can cast any material with very few restrictions, such as aluminium, magnesium, copper, and steel.
- It can be used for rapid, low-cost production.
Negatives:
- It cannot produce large components.
- It requires a large amount of preparation and specialist equipment.
- It is a more complicated method compared to other casting processes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accessories cast into in situ concrete.
- Aluminium.
- Bronze.
- Cast iron.
- Cast metal components.
- Cast plate.
- Cast-in-place concrete.
- Cast-iron.
- Copper.
- Difference between cast iron and wrought iron.
- Failure of cast iron beams.
- Ferrous.
- Iron.
- Major cast metal components.
- Metal fabrication
- Metalwork.
- Pre-cast concrete.
- Soldering.
- Steel.
- Tin.
- Types of metal.
- Types of steel.
Featured articles and news
Preparing for the future: how specifiers can lead the way
Effective specificationand the Future Homes Standard.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.