TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO WOMAN HAS GONE BEFORE: DEWAXING RESULTS FROM FOCAST

摘要

Investment casting research is being carried out by the University of Birmingham sponsored by E.P.S.R.C. and a consortium of industrial companies. The programme is aimed at developing a fundamental understanding of the process, with a view to routinely producing sound, net shape castings. A key stage within the investment process is that involving the removal of wax from the green ceramic shell. This important process is carried out within the confines of a sealed pressure vessel, more commonly referred to as the 'black hole' with external gauges as the only indication of what is actually happening inside. As part of this programme, work has been carried out to fully understand the process of wax removal and its effect upon the physical properties, mechanical properties and structural integrity of the ceramic shell. Initial temperature profiles measured within the autoclave will be presented together with results from contact angle measurements used to visualise wax ingress into primary coats. Simple shell conductivity experimentation to assess the affect of moisture will also be discussed.