General Casting Tips

Geometric shape/sharp edge hole:

1. Feeding system: make sure the joints are well-rounded and fully heated solder joints
2. Models position: leave adequate space between models
3. Water/powder ratio: decrease water/powder ration to increase investment strength

Rough surface (texture)

1. Accelerate temperature ramp
2. Investment: follow the instructions of manufacturer, correct amount of water/powder ratio, fully mixed, place flask on stable surface for setting, do not disturb for 2 hours

Orange peel: (dense texture, mainly on upper part of model)

1. Temperature: decrease the temperature of metal or flask (check the recommend temperature from supplier and adjust according geometry of model and size of flask)

Incomplete filling:

1. Temperature: Increase the temperature of metal or flask (check the recommend temperature from supplier and adjust according geometry of model and size of flask)
2. Feeding system: increase sprue’s diameter or amount

Small porosity / Dark inclusions:

1. Incomplete burnout:
   1. Extend the maximum temperature hold time for 1 ~ 2 hours
   2. Turn the flask upside down (pouring cone up) during the last hour of maximum temperature
   3. Open the door couple times during the maximum temperature
   4. Accelerate temperature ramp

Fin (Flashing):

1. Models position: leave adequate space between models, and between models and flask
2. Water/powder ratio: decrease water/powder ratio to increase investment strength
3. Investment: drying out the investment too long may cause cracking, refer to manufacturer instructions
4. Overheat the flask during burnout: refer to manufacturer instructions for the maximum temperature