[Jewelry making - Article 01166] - Re: [Orchid] Casting problems

[James Binnion]

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    What metal are you casting? The problem you describe sounds like the
    investment is breaking down from a combination of too much heat and
    flux. Satin Cast and other plaster bonded investments are not
    designed to handle the higher temperature metals they start to break
    down above 1400 F.  The combination of high heat and flux starts to
    dissolve the investment . I also think that elemental  silicon that
    is alloyed in some metals contributes to the problem as I have
    mostly seen this on silicon bronze castings. The bronze melts at a
    little over 2000 F and with enough super heat to get it to flow is
    probably in the 2200 to 2300 range. The resulting ceramic slag is
    hard as hell and leaves pitting on the metal under it. 

Jim Binnion

James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
http://www.mokume-gane.com
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
Member of the Better Business Bureau


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