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SMALL SCALE ALUMINIUM CASTING

HEATING AND POURING THE ALUMINIUM

V. Ryan © 2008 - 2009
 
The animation below shows pieces of aluminium cut to a size suitable for heating in a ladle. Fire bricks have been arranged around the bowl of the ladle so that the heat from the brazing torch flame is reflected back onto the aluminium. As the temperature rises to 650 degrees centigrade the aluminium begins to become molten and quite quickly forms a liquid.
 
 
 
 
The molten aluminium is carefully poured into the mould. The casting boxes are set in sand in case any of the molten aluminium runs down the sides. If this happens the molten aluminium will simply stay on the surface of the sand and cool down. The casting boxes should never be placed on a cold surface. If molten metal comes in contact with a cold surface it will ‘splatter’ violently. Anyone close to the area will be in serious danger.
 
 
 
 
  When the aluminium has cooled down it can be removed from the petrabond sand. Great care should be taken because it the aluminium retains heat for sometime.

When completely cool the sprues can be removed with a hacksaw and recycled. The casting can be cleaned up using files, emery cloth and a polishing machine.
 
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