< METALS INDEX
INTRODUCTION TO METALS
Unless a sculptor asks for a specific metal alloy to be used for their work, the founder will usually select their standard general purpose alloy. Most of the time the choice of a ‘standard alloy’ is a sensible course of action, but a total reliance on standard materials can obscure the fact that there is potentially an enormous range of metals and metal alloys available for casting metal sculpture.
Standard foundry alloys are predictable in use and offer all an round suitability for metal art founding – from ease of pouring to their ability to take on a satisfactory finish, such as a patina. A complete deference to standard foundry alloys though, inevitably limits both the creative possibilities offered by metal casting and the opportunity to explore a wide range of finish effects. This section of the website introduces some of the most important metals and alloys used in art and design metalworking, as well as some alternative or unusual variations. In addition to descriptions of casting metals, additional information is provided here on the similar WROUGHT versions that are available. Wrought metals are often used for the construction of armatures, plinths and similar ancillary items, as well as producing fabricated sculpture.
METALS & ALLOYS >
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TERMS: CASTING ALLOYS are specifically formulated for melting and pouring into moulds. These alloys are usually supplied in the form of an INGOT or bar.
WROUGHT ALLOYS are formulated for working by hand and tool. These alloys are usually supplied as pre-formed shapes such as plates, channels, angle and so on. In some cases the composition of the alloy is the same for both cast and wrought materials, though more often there is some composition variation at least to allow for the specific demands of each forming process. |
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