Surface Quality and Dimensional Accuracy of Gypsum Bonded Investment Flask Casting Moulds

Abstract

In this study surface finish and dimensional charactersitics of castings produced with gypsum bonded block investment moulds were investigated. Commercial and laboratory made gypsum bonded investment moulds were used for investment casting mould making. To compare the casting quality of the investment powders, wax patterns for surface roughness specimens and linear dimension measurement specimens were designed and produced with special geometry. Wax trees were assembled with these patterns, cylindrical stainless steel perforated flasks were settled around the trees and gypsum bonded investment slurries were filled into flasks. Conventional tin bronze and sterling silver were subsequently cast into these moulds by vacuum assisted and vacuum pressure casting processes, respectively. Afterwards, surface roughness of specimens were measured and linear dimensions of wax patterns and cast specimens were compared to determine percentage of dimensional change.