Love Casting » aluminum casting

How to trace a picture onto die cast aluminum?

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:20:20 +0000

Can I use carbon paper and then go over the transfer with a marker?
I’m trying to label and decorate an aluminum electronics panel (guitar stomp box), and want to put some graphics on it without silk screening, etching, etc.
Any ideas on how to trace images onto it? Once I trace the picture, I can go over it with colored sharpies.
Thanks!

Carbon paper is waxy, so it might work for you. If not, try graphite paper (transfer paper) from an art store, it’s cleaner and not greasy. I really don’t know which would work better on cast aluminum.

Why are some aluminum casting alloys considered heat treatable while others are not?

admin — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:18:18 +0000

Some alloys, depending on which other metals are in the alloy and in what concentrations, will with treatment change to a harder and stronger crystalline structure. With little or no alloying aluminum is not heat treatable.

What is die casting? whats the benefits of aluminum die cast parts and zinc die cast parts over other metals?

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:48:33 +0000

Die Casting is a metal forming method for manufacturing engineered metal parts by injecting molten metal under high pressure into a steel mold, which is also known as a die. Following the metal injection the die casting machine will clamp down onto the mold, forming the die casting part which quickly solidifies. Molds called Dies are very durable with an great ability to produce complicated shapes with an impressive degree of accuracy and repeatability.
Die casting parts are typified by their sharply defined, smooth or textured surfaces and dimensional consistency.

Producing parts using the die casting process is considered to be the most efficient way of converting raw material into a finished product. Die castings are best suited for mass production of small to medium sized castings, which is why they can be found in many of the commercial, industrial, and consumer products.
The majority of die castings are made from non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, pewter, tin, and zinc based alloys.. Little or no machining is required. A complete die casting cycle can vary from less than a second for small components to 2-3 minutes for larger components.

Aluminum Die Casting -

Aluminum is the most commonly cast non-ferrous metal in the world because its very cost effective. Its light-weight yet can withstand the highest operating temperatures of all the die cast alloys. Its non magnetic, has good corrosion resistance and is also an excellent electrical conductor. Some typical applications of Aluminum Die Castings are in Telecommunications, Electrical Housing, Automotive, Home Appliances, Lighting, Hand,Power Tools and in Aircrafts. Aluminum helps fuel efficiency and has many uses in the transport industry due to its unbeatable strength to weight ratio.

Some benefits of Aluminum Die Castings.

– Lightweight

- Strong Castings. High dimensional stability for complex shapes and thin walls

- Good corrosion resistance; high electrical and thermal conductivity.

- Retains strength at high temperatures.

- High dimensional stability for complex shapes and thin walls

- Little or no machining is required after an aluminum part is die cast, because

the process provides very close tolerances.

- Another benefit with aluminum as a material is that it is recyclable.

- Non-Magnetic

Zinc Die Casting -

Zinc is the easiest alloy to cast, its very common in the automobile industry. It has high impact strength and is very economical due to the fact thousands in some cases millions of identical zinc parts can be produced before new tooling is required. Zinc also has excellent physical, mechanical properties and finishing characteristics. With the exception of brass, Zinc has the highest impact strength of other die casting alloys.

Some benefits of Zinc Die Castings.

- Thousands in some cases millions of identical zinc parts can be products

before new tooling is required.

- High Impact Strength

- Economical for small parts

- Promotes long die life

- Easily Plated or Finished with minimal surface preparation

- Produces multi-cavity, complex shapes within closer tolerances than many

other production processes

- High Ductility

how to bake plaster for casting aluminum?

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:31:17 +0000

I’m trying to cast aluminum using plaster and i was wondering if any one know how much the plaster has to be baked and how to tell if the plaster is dried fully and ways to do it. thx

When I did jewelry casting, I used Dental Investment. Check out dental suppliers. Also check jewelry manufactures supply. Here’s one site: http://www.contenti.com/products/casting/164-514.html
Aluminum melts at about 1200 F. Silver at about 1700 F. So this would work fine. You would need a Kiln to heat the investment up to these temps – in a pinch a ceramic kiln would work. If you don’t get all the moisture out the mold could explode from steam pressure – be careful – read some books or visit some backyard casting sites. Aluminum is also cast using sand casting techniques.Good luck.

Explain the most important alloying element used in Aluminum casting alloys?

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:16 +0000

Aluminium ? It wouldn’t be an alu casting alloy without it

Anyone could help supplying A2014 aluminum scraps for casting?

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:43:13 +0000

I need to cast some aluminum parts in A2014 specifications. Found many suppliers. Unfortunately, I only need less than 1 kg… and they all supply minimum 200kg… (many by the ton!) Did you try an aircraft graveyard? Then again they … Continue reading →

What are the white spots on my cast aluminum chiminea?

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:45:42 +0000

I purchased an expensive cast aluminum chiminea last summer. Over the course of the summer it developed little white freckle spots all over it. I tried to wipe them off with a wet cloth, but they just reappear. What could this be? Is there any way to get rid of it? The chiminea is supposed to just be all black.

sounds like you have some oxidate, to solve this clean with some fine sand paper and touch up with black stove paint or whatever the maker sudgests.

How do i restore shine to Sandcast Aluminum beaded serveware that was accidentally washed in dish washer?

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:03:19 +0000

I have several pieces of beaded recycled sand-cast aluminum serve-ware that was washed in the dishwasher on accident and now all of the shine is gone and when you touch it grey smut comes off on your fingers… I have tried silver polish and this did not work… How do i get the shine back?

First wipe off as much of the smut as possible. Then try rubbing compound on a cloth. If that’s too slow then try 1200+ grit sandpaper followed by rubbing compound. Or if that’s too slow try 1000 grit followed by 1200 grit followed by rubbing compound. Etc. Although the rougher you go the more metal you lose.

I want to cast my own tattoo machines out of brass or aluminum?

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:44:20 +0000

Hi i want to start casting my own tattoo machines thing is i am a newbie to casting and or making moulds i really want to work with aluminum and brass but cost is a big thing what kind of mould should i use and the easiest and cheapest and where i can find how to make them?

I’ve used Plaster of Paris for casting aluminum. I use “Pam” cooking spray as a parting compound to help release the pattern. I also use Wax paper as the “Parting Line” break in-between front and back half’s of the mold.

I’ve used old Tupper ware to cast the pattern into or made up wood frames to pour the plaster of Paris into. I then submerge the pattern ~ half way into the plaster. I then use a spatula to level the mold to the top of the frame/Tupper ware. I let the plaster cure about 30 minutes and place wax paper cut the patter to allow a separation of the two plaster half’s. I then make the top half of the pattern my pouring more plaster of Paris on top of the bottom half of the mold.

After the plaster has cured ~ 2 hour, I remove the pattern and gently wash out the “Pan” with dish soap. I then cut my fill and vent holes in the Bottom half of the mold. Note I usually pour into the back side of the mold to allow for the removal of the spruces with out damaging the casting.

I let the plaster cure over night. On the day of the pour I start early by pre heating the houses oven to 200 Degrees F. I cook the plaster for 2 hours and then when I’m starting the forge, I heat the oven up to 500.

I hold the two half of the mold together with c-clamps.

The pre-heating of the plaster help to prevent the aluminum from forming cold pour lines in the final item.

Yes the plaster of Paris will pop and crack as it cools off, but it works.

I hope this helps, Charles
Ride safe (Motorcycles) that is!

Trial and error and 30 year of pouring behind me.

Do you have to use special chimney cement in an aluminum foundry or can you use regular cement?

admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:59:37 +0000

i am building a foundry so i can cast aluminum and iron. i am using a metal casing and a capped steel pipe for the crucible. i plan on mixing perlite in with the cement for better insulation. is there … Continue reading →