Metalcasting is a process where liquid metal is poured into a mold and then allowed to harden in a particular shape. Of course, this is only the beginning part of the process, and there is much more to be done. The beauty of this process is that you can use it for so many different needs and it’s very versatile. It’s also a skill that requires a lot of technical education because it can be used is so many different fields.
The extremely high temperatures that these molds are required to withstand means that they must be manufactured of materials like wood, ceramic and limestone, among others. These materials are shaped using clay, sand or wax to achieve exactly the right design. In order to make sure that the pieces can be put together when the work is done, some of these molds are made to snap together.
Depending on which type of end result the customer is looking for, the foundries where this metal is melted can mix other alloys into it, creating a different product. Skilled operators are required to work with these materials, especially after alloys are mixed in because it requires more experience and technical skill.
In order to create a professionally finished appearance, these items must be ground down, sanded and polished before they can be considered complete. The manufacturer will need to determine how much grinding each end product requires, as they differ based on the materials that were used in their creation.
There are some cases when a home setup can be used to do this procedures, as long as the project is small enough. It’s important to be careful to avoid accidental fires if someone is going to use a home setup like this. The first thing you should do before putting any information to use that you find online is to read through the safety precautions at least a few times, in order to prevent accidents or injuries.
The videos that are posted online will show you what type of equipment to use and how to get through the process safely. You can get a ton of great information from the American Foundry Society if you contact them and see what resources they offer.
The many fields that these items are used in are so various, and for the individual who wants to get involved, there is a lot of opportunity for occupational growth. This is just the beginning summary of what metalcasting is and how you can understand it, but there’s a lot more to be learned if you’re interested. Metalcasting is a decades old industry and it will continue to remain for the foreseeable future.