Wax congeals around the clay, creating a wax model for a hollow core pattern reproduction. The mold usually rests upside down during this process. The manufacturer then closes both sections of the hard outer mold around the clay model, completely enclosing it inside before pouring hot molten wax into the closed mold. When placed within the original impression of elastic material, a slight gap appears between the original impression and the now-reduced clay mold. Next, the manufacturer selectively removes a thin layer of material from the exterior of the newly-formed clay mold.

Workers press fireproof clay into the depression(s), re-creating the outlines of an original three-dimensional model. This mold may consist of two halves, one for the front and the other for the rear of the object. This item may consist of stone, metal, wood, plaster or clay.Īrtisans create an impression of a non-wax model by placing it inside a hard gated outer mold filled with soft, easily compressed material. First, a manufacturer produces a model for reproduction. Lost wax casting requires multiple steps to complete. The manufacturer creates either a solid wax model (for solid core patterns) or a wax copy of a clay model (for hollow core patterns). “Lost wax” casting occurs in two basic forms: solid core or hollow-core reproduction. Essentially, it involves duplicating an item in wax, then “losing” the wax to create a space for molten metal. Lost wax casting enables a manufacturer to reproduce models in exact detail. However, manufacturers do still sometimes rely on lost wax casting today to replicate works of fine art and to create prototypes. The time-consuming and labor-intensive aspects of this form of casting caused it to fall out of favor as a primary industrial casting technique in modern mass production environments. Some of the world’s most famous artists, including the French sculptor Francois Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), frequently used this method of casting to create celebrated works of art. Historical SignificanceĪrchaeologists today believe lost wax casting as a manufacturing process dates back thousands of years, possibly to the Bronze Age. Lost wax castings provide a way to obtain finely detailed cast replicas of original works of art, jewelry, and prototypes. Many casting techniques permit manufacturers to duplicate metal parts. If you need this service for your business, request a quote or head to our contact us page to further discuss what can we do for you.

Lost wax casting is one of our offerings.

Lost foam casting plaster