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	[[Category:Casting]]		[[Category:Casting]]
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=====Description=====

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-foam_casting '''Lost Foam Casting'''] in '''Aluminium''' is very similar to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_casting '''Investment Casting'''] ''(e.g. as used by Jewellers and Dentists)'' except the finished casting is the result of evaporating [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene '''Polystyrene'''] out of the mould rather than melting wax.

The process lends itself to complex and sculptural shapes which would be difficult to remove from a mould. By its nature, the process can leave a rough surface ''(reflecting the surface of a polystyrene ceiling tile for example)''. This can sometimes be machined off or can be left as a textural feature of the finished product.

[[File:CastDTcandleholderPattern.png|300px|right]]
=====Polystyrene Patterns=====

The polystyrene [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_(casting) '''Patterns'''] are sacrifical since the molten metal completely evaporates them and burns them out during the process. They can be made by sculpturing out of a solid block of polystyrene using a soldering iron or similar, or assembled from a number of parts cut out from polystyrene sheet using a '''[[Hot Wire Cutter]]''' for example.

A polystyrene [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprue_(manufacturing) '''Sprue'''] is integrated into the pattern to create an entry point for the molten metal.
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'''Safety Point!'''
The smoke and fumes given off is primarily CO2, soot and water vapour, but with small amounts of more toxic ingredients and so, as with all fume producing processes, '''Lost Foam Casting''' should be done either outside or with '''Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)'''. Do not use any foams without researching the toxicity of any fumes given off.

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=====Lost Foam Moulding=====

For casting '''Aluminium''' this process can be very simple indeed. Find, or make, a suitable size container and simply bury the polystyrene pattern in dry silver sand ''(e.g. Play Pit sand)'' ensuring that the polystyrene [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprue_(manufacturing) '''Sprue'''] protrudes.

[[File:CastDTcandleholder7.png|150px|right]]
Position a conventional sand-filled '''[[Sand Casting|Runner Cup]]''' over the protruding [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprue_(manufacturing) '''Sprue'''] to help pour the '''Aluminium''' in one steady continuous pour.

Surprisingly perhaps, the molten '''Aluminium''' simultaneously evaporates or burns out the polystyrene and fills the space it was occupying within the sand, to result in an '''Aluminium''' cast replica.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprue_(manufacturing) '''Sprues'''] are sawn off and the cast surfaces machined as needed to create the end product.

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'''Safety Point!'''
'''Pouring molten metal is extremely dangerous!'''
* Ensure there are no trip hazards between the furnace and the moulding tray containing the flask.
* Make sure that any tools introduced into the melt ''(e.g. to remove '''Dross''')'' are pre-heated and dry.
* Wear full face shield, leather gauntlets and apron.
* Use purpose made '''Crucible Tongs''' and '''Carriers''' to carry the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucible '''Crucible'''] to the moulding tray and pour.

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[[Category:Casting]]

Lost Foam Casting - Revision history

DT Online at 21:44, 17 May 2017

DT Online: Created article