Lost wax casting, or investment casting, is popular for creating intricate and detailed jewelry pieces. This process involves creating a metal object by utilizing a wax model. A heat-resistant material surrounds the wax and is melted away, leaving a mold for the molten metal. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of lost wax casting, highlighting the intricate details and skills required to produce stunning jewelry.
Design: Cremation Creations works with trusted designers with some of the highest of accolades in the industry. Our designers take the descriptions and technical specs provided and input that data into a particular use software to create and manipulate virtual objects in a three-dimensional space. They can adjust the shape, size, texture, and color of these objects, as well as apply lighting and shading effects to achieve a desired visual appearance. The software provides various tools and features to facilitate the design process, including modeling, texturing, rendering, and animation capabilities. This process also lets us know if the design is viable with durability and the right look we are looking for.
Step 1: Wax Model Creation
1.1. Begin by sculpting the desired jewelry piece using wax
1.2. Ensure the wax model is smooth and free from imperfections
1.3. Add intricate details and textures to the wax model as required.
Step 2:
Spruing and Investing
2.1. Attach a wax sprue, which acts as a channel for the molten metal, to the wax model using wax adhesive
2.2. Create a tree-like structure by attaching additional wax models and sprues to the central sprue
2.3. Dip the wax model tree into a ceramic slurry multiple times to create a thick ceramic shell around it
2.4. Allow the ceramic shell to dry completely.
2.4. Adding stones to the wax mold at this time is necessary if the stones are to be encased in the structure during the casting process.
Step 3: Burnout
3.1. Place the ceramic shell into a furnace, gradually increasing the temperature to burn out the wax from the mold
3.2. The wax melts away, leaving behind a hollow space within the ceramic shell. This process is where the tradition gets the name "Lost Wax Casting." That custom designed wax mold is melted out from the gypsum mold, leaving a cavity of the design.
Step 4: Casting
4.1. Heat the metal to its melting point in a crucible
4.2. Remove the ceramic shell from the furnace and place it in a flask filled with casting material
4.3. Pour the molten metal into the flask, filling the void left by the melted wax
4.4. Allow the metal to cool and solidify within the mold.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
5.1. Break away the ceramic shell to reveal the rough metal casting
5.2. Use various tools and techniques to remove any imperfections and excess metal from the casting
5.3. Polish the jewelry piece to achieve a shiny and smooth surface
Step 6: Stone Setting
6.1. The stone setting will be required if you have a prong setting.
Conclusion
Lost wax casting is a complex and time-consuming process that requires exceptional skill and attention to detail. From creating a wax model to the final touch of the finished jewelry piece, each step is crucial to producing a stunning and unique piece of wearable art. Whether it's a simple ring or an intricate pendant, lost wax casting allows Cremation Creations to create your desired works of art.
Call us if you are looking for that unique cremation or non-cremation jewelry piece.