Casting Guide
Plaster Preparation
Always follow the guidelines provided by the investment powder or plaster manufacturer for optimal results and safety.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended Investment Powder (Plaster) | We recommend using investment powder suitable for CAD/CAM rapid prototype resin patterns. |
| Recommended Water/Plaster Ratio | 38-40 : 100 (Water : Plaster). Follow the guidelines of your investment powder manufacturer. |
| Investment / Plaster Mixing | Gradually add plaster to water (do not add water to plaster), then mix thoroughly with a stirrer for 3–5 minutes. After mixing, vacuum degas the mixture for 2 minutes. |
| Investment / Plaster Pouring | Slowly pour the mixture along the inner wall of the flask, aiming for the lowest point. Avoid hitting the pattern directly to minimize splashes and trapped air. Immediately vacuum degas again for 2 minutes to release any bubbles trapped around the pattern, then allow the mixture to set undisturbed for at least 120-360 minutes (2-6 hours). |
Burnout Schedule *
| Process | Phase / Stage | Time | Temperature °C | Temperature °F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place flasks into oven/kiln at ambient temp. | Insert Flask | 0 Minutes | ~ 25°C | ~ 77°F |
| Ramp up the temperature to 149°C ASAP | Water Removal | ASAP | ASAP | ASAP |
| Hold temperature at 149°C for 3 Hours | Water Removal | +180 Minutes | 149°C | 300°F |
| Ramp up the temperature to 372°C gradually | Thermal Transition | +120 Minutes | ~ 1.85°C per Minute | ~ 35.33°F per minute |
| Hold temperature at 372°C for 2 Hours | Thermal Transition | +120 Minutes | 372°C | 700°F |
| Ramp up the temperature to 750°C gradually | Pattern Removal | +180 Minutes | ~ 2.1°C per minute | ~ 35.78°F per minute |
| Hold temperature at 750°C for 3 Hours | Pattern Removal | +180 Minutes | 750°C | 1382°F |
| Reduce the temperature to suit your casting metal | Cooling | +60 Minutes | Casting Temperature | Casting Temperature |
| Hold at casting temperature for 2 Hours | Stabilization | +120 Minutes | Casting Temperature | Casting Temperature |
* Disclaimer – The burnout procedure provided here is intended solely as a general guideline. Actual burnout parameters may vary and should be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of your castings. Variables such as pattern geometry, flask size, plaster material selection, equipment type, and the unique complexities of your designs can all significantly influence the ideal burnout schedule. Users are responsible for evaluating, testing, and modifying this procedure as needed to ensure optimal performance and suitability for their particular applications.
