Platinum Casting Solution
How Are Jewelry Made?
Jewelry casting, also known as Lost wax iewelry casting or investment casting, is a centuries-old technigue usedto create intricate and detailed jewelry pieces. This method is particularly suited for creating metal jewelry, such asgold, silver, and platinum, and involves several meticulous steps.
1. Desian and Wax Modeling
The first step in lost wax casting is to create a wax model of the desired jewelry design. This can be done byhand or through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software followed by 3D printing.The wax model serves as a temporary mold that will be replaced by the final metal casting.
2. Sprue and Wax Tree Assembly
Once the wax models are created, they are attached to a wax tree, which is a framework that holds multiplewax models together.
A sprue, a small channel of wax, is also added to connect the wax models to the tree, allowing moltenmetal to flow into the molds during the casting process.
3. Investment (Mold Creation)The wax tree, with its attached models, is then dipped into a slurry of refractory material (such as plaster or ceramic) and allowed to dry. This process is repeated several times to build up layers of refractory material around the wax modelscreating a sturdy mold.
4. Dewaxing
The mold, now containing the wax models, is heated to a temperature that melts and removes the wax. leaving behind an empty cavity in the shape of the jewelry design.
5. Burnout
The mold is further heated to remove any remaining wax residue and to prepare it for the casting process.
6. Casting
Molten metal is poured into the mold through the sprue, filling the cavities left by the wax models. The metal cools and solidifies, taking the shape of the original wax models.
7. Breakout and Cleanup
Once the metal has cooled, the mold is broken open to reveal the cast jewelry pieces.
The sprue and any other excess metal are removed, and the pieces are cleaned and polished to reveal theirfinal appearance.
Advantages of Lost Wax Jewelry Casting
Precision and Detail: Lost wax casting allows for the creation of intricate and detailed designs that would bedifficult or impossible to achieve with other casting methodsMaterial Versatility: This technique can be used with a variety of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, andeven some base metals.
Durability: The cast jewelry pieces are strong and durable, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Applications
Lost wax casting is widely used in the jewelry industry to create a variety of pieces, including rings, pendantsearrings, bracelets, and more. lt is particularly suited for custom and bespoke iewelry desians. as well as forproducing limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces.
In summary, lost wax jewelry casting is a time-honored technique that combines artistry and craftsmanship tocreate beautiful and lasting jewelry pieces. With its ability to produce intricate designs and work with a variety ofmetals, it remains a popular choice in the jewelry industry today.
