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Centrifugal casting

· Updated · 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Centrifugal casting

In centrifugal casting, molten metal is driven into the mold by the centrifugal force of an arm spinning at high speed. It is used with the lost-wax process.

Steps of the technique: Prepare the flask, Load the metal, Melt, Release the arm, Cool, Clean
Summary of the steps

How it works #

  1. The flask with the heated mold is placed on the arm.
  2. The metal is melted in a crucible beside the mold.
  3. When the arm is released (spring-driven or electric), it spins and the force pushes the liquid metal into the mold.
  4. It is left to cool, the investment is broken away and the piece cleaned.

Advantages #

It is quick, reliable and reproduces detail very well; many pieces can be cast at once on a tree.

Control #

Metal and mold temperature, waiting time and spin speed determine the result. With too little metal or a cold mold, the piece can come out incomplete.

Safety #

The machine sits in a protected chamber, and glasses, gloves and protective equipment are used.

Step by step #

  1. Prepare the flask. Burn out the wax and keep the mold at temperature.
  2. Load the metal. Put the metal in the crucible.
  3. Melt. With the torch until the metal “dances”.
  4. Release the arm. Centrifugal force pushes the metal into the mold.
  5. Cool. Let it rest and quench in water.
  6. Clean. Remove the investment and cut the sprues.

Tools and materials #

Common mistakes #

  • Metal not fully melted: the piece comes out incomplete.
  • Badly dried mold: the metal splashes.
  • Not winding the arm: it does not spin with force.
  • Neglecting protection: there are splashes.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.