Plaster Mold Castings
5-minute read | Author: M.Hagaman
Plaster Mold Castings are one of the most popular methods for creating custom metal castings. Plaster mold castings offer a versatile and more cost-effective way to produce low-volume parts.
Plaster mold casting processes for metal castings.
Plaster Mold Castings Processes
Plaster mold castings are a good way to produce copies of small parts that are very difficult or expensive to make.
Plaster is used as the molding material as it holds detail extremely well, and is easy to repair if damaged.
When metal casting with plaster mold, the molds are produced with a die or tool, that can be made from a variety of materials.
A 3D generator is used to produce the die. The most popular material for metal casting is Silicone or Rubber. The silicone is used to produce rubber molds. When using a 3D generator, the computer software will make a digital copy of the original part. This is then sent to the CNC machine where it is cut out by a router or laser cutter.
The Rubber mold is used to create a negative impression of the part and then filled with plaster.
After the plaster is cured, it can be removed from the mold. The result is a positive impression of the original part that can be used to make metal castings.
Once the mold has hardened, the motel liquid is poured into the cavity and left to cool.
The metal cast is then broken out of the mold. This process is repeated until the desired number of castings has been made. The result is a series of identical metal parts that can be used for production.
Plaster casting mold hardening in a non-ferrous foundry.
Making Molds for Plaster Castings
Molds can be made from various materials. Most companies are looking for higher-quality molds that extend the life of tooling costs.
Silicone or rubber molds provide longer-lasting tools. They also provide great options for custom-designed molds.
Plaster casting mold assembly line inside a non-ferrous foundry.
Casting Aluminum in Plaster
Aluminum products can be cast with plaster molds. Molten aluminum is poured using a gravity method into prepared plaster mold castings. These are left to cool and require no baking.
Once they are cooled the parts are broken out of the plaster, washed, and can be machined further if needed.
Aluminum parts cast with plaster molds are usually used for prototypes and low-volume production runs. Since the parts are made from plaster, they can be easily modified and remolded. This allows for changes in design or minor modifications to fit a particular application.
Aluminum metal cast part.
What can you cast in Plaster mold?
Many different materials can be cast, but the most popular are aluminum, zinc, magnesium alloys, bronze, lead, silver, gold, and resin.
Plaster molds are also used to cast non-metallic parts, such as plastic. The plaster mold can then be used to produce injection molded parts with a high degree of detail and accuracy.
Crucible furnace for heating various metals.
Is plaster good for casting?
Plaster can be an excellent material for casting if you’re looking for a low-cost alternative to investment casting. It is also ideal for low-volume production runs, as well as prototypes and one-off parts.
Plaster molds are easy to use and maintain because they don’t require expensive equipment. Working with a skilled foundry will help make difference in the quality of your finished product.
