 Foundry
 In the molding and precision foundry processes, particularly in jewelry applications, the "Lost Wax" method is widely known for the fabrication of metal cast pieces. The characteristic, which makes functional the use of wax in this process, is its contraction capability, as well as its malleability and ductility, which enable a very efficient performance in this molding process.
The "Lost Wax" method is carried out in the following manner:
- Wax is injected into a rubber or metal mold, or a model or pattern (positive) of the final product is sculptured on the wax material.
- This pattern is covered with ceramic or plastic clay, which hardens forming the mold.
- The mold is placed in an oven for clay roasting, while the wax “gets lost” in the interior.
- The metal is injected in the cavity generated by the wax lost in the mold, reproducing the original wax pattern.
- Once the metal gets solidified, the mold is broken to recover the cast piece.
This method has a millenary antiquity, with numerous evidences of its utilization in diverse ancestral cultures. Some examples of pieces fabricated by means of this technique include the Shang Dynasty in China, diverse regions of Europe in the XVI century, and the Aztec culture that flourished in Mexico.
In our days, the “Lost Wax” method remains in operation, with an increased utilization for solving the precision foundry needs in diverse applications.
Since several years ago, Multiceras has developed wax products for application in this precision foundry technique. The company is well recognized as a reliable supplier of the most demanded products for this specialty application.
Application Table for Foundry
Code |
Product |
Color |
Melting Point |
1039 |
Paraffin Wax F-Nac
|
White |
136-144 ºF |
2001 |
Microcrystalline Wax |
Yellow |
178-189 ºF |
6001 |
Type I Carnauba Wax |
Yellow |
181-187 ºF |
6003 |
Type III Carnauba Wax |
Yellow |
181-187 ºF |
7833 |
Refined Candelilla REAL® |
Brown |
156-163 ºF |
Notes:
Melting point is determined in all cases by the USP 741 Class II method, with the exception of the 2001 wax, where ASTM D127 is used.
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