< WEIGHING WAXES
PREPARING A WAX PATTERN FOR INVESTMENT
Once the artist has approved their wax pattern for casting, the founder can prepare the piece for the investment process. After being burnt off in the kiln, the wax pattern leaves a negative ‘air gap impression’ of the sculpture within the refractory investment mould, this air gap is eventually filled with metal which freezes to create a new ‘positive cast’. To enable the mould to fill properly, the founder must first attach an entry point and system of tubes and vents to the wax, these attachments will allow molten metal to run into the investment mould. The founder may also apply other items to the wax, usually either to aid casting, or secure the core in place.
Once all the casting attachments have been added to the wax pattern, the artwork and casting attachments combined are referred to as a WAX ASSEMBLY. This next section of the website examines the various features that make up a typical wax assembly, and explains their basic function in the casting process. Please note that some of these features may vary according to the investment system used by the founder, some of these differences are additionally highlighted in the investment system descriptions in the INVESTMENT section of the site.
THE POURING CUP >
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