Of course, this problem isn’t exclusive to investment casters. Any foundry should be concerned about losing metal, especially if there are effective ways to contain the problem.
Fortunately, some methods have been developed to address it. ASK Chemicals produces a line of filters with an undulating pattern, called NewWave. This unique design features several small nodules, or hills, that invariably increase the filters’ surface area and also allow for a modified “spray-zone” (i.e., the typical spray path) for the liquid that is poured through it.
For example, if water is poured directly downward onto a flat surface it will spray in every direction, but particularly straight upward in the direction of its initial descending path.
However, if the liquid is poured on a vertically pointed surface (e.g. pyramid) then it will spray sideways and downwards (i.e., the direction of the pyramid slope.) In addition, this type of impact is relatively “soft” because the liquid travels with the surface finish.
Conversely, in the previous, “flat” example, the liquid smashes forcefully into the surface, thereby creating an explosion, of sorts. Thus, part of the liquid (i.e., your metal) will be lost.
Based on this explanation, the NewWave design, with its undulating surface, produces a softened horizontal impact, as in the pyramid example. It surely is not a “perfect” solution; there is no such thing. Molten metal inevitably will spray in any situation where there is an object within its falling-path. Even so, with the NewWave™ design you will have the possibility of minimizing this spray-off effect, and saving as much metal — and money — as the task will allow.
Join the Conversation. Email Your Questions for ASK Chemicals
Share your insights, opinions, and elaborate on the questions and the experts' answer(s). You must be logged in to the website in order to post your comments.