HYDRACAST™ Tradition
HYDRACAST™ Tradition
++BLUE++HYDRACAST™ Tradition is a ready to use, plaster-based refractory investment for artistic casting using traditional methods, such as manual or mechanical spraying of the investment onto a wax model. ++ENDBLUE++
Description
HYDRACAST™ Tradition was designed to have the rheological characteristics and the ability to reproduce the fine details required for this use (no sedimentation, no slumping / flowing). This formulation is intended for making the contact layer. It can also be used mixed with fireclay (chamotte) to fill a mould. The caster can therefore create moulds that are 15 cm to 2.5 m high
Technical data
% of water used | 40/42% (saturation mix) | |||
mixing time | [Min] | 4 | ||
Working / Casting time | [Min] | 12-15 | ||
Setting time | [Min] | 16-19 | ||
Liquid density | 1.75 | |||
Weight per liter of slip: | 1750 g | 1220 g powder / | ||
Expansion 2 hours after setting time | max 0,30% | |||
Mould preparation | Application of the Hydracast Tradition contact layer is followed by a reinforcement layer which can be Hydracast and Fireclay or another material. |
Procedure for the Lost Wax process
The recommended plaster to water ratio is 100 parts of plaster for 40 to 42 parts of water. This ratio can be changed to precisely fit your application.
a) Mixing Mixing plaster in water is the most important step in making a mould and could heavily impact resistance, hardness and absorption properties if performed incorrectly. For optimum quality, vacuum mixing is recommended.
Always ensure the following points:
1. Plaster and water are precisely weighed.
2. All equipment is clean.
3. The mixing cycle is adhered to.
b) Spraying Apply by manual or mechanical (spray gun) spraying immediately after mixing. Make sure that the mixture does not become too thick or too hard.
c) Plaster setting Do not handle plaster containing wax model until it has reached its setting time to avoid any defects in the finished part. Wait at least a minimum of 2 hours before starting the drying cycle.
d) Dewaxing / firing. All water must be removed before pouring metal to obtain proper mechanical resistance and limit defects. Note: drying time is heavily dependent on the size and number of cylinders in the oven.
Dewaxing is performed under moist conditions between 100/100ºC, or dry conditions between 150/160ºC, for 6 to 8 hours. Dewaxing at temperatures higher than 400ºC produces a perfect interior surface by eliminating the last traces of wax.
Standard firing cycle for art foundry:
- place the moist mould in the oven a few hours after making it
- increase temperature to 200ºC as quickly as possible
- dewax at 200ºC for 2 to 8 hours depending on the size of the cylinder
- increase to 700/750ºC at a rate of 100/120ºC per hour
- maintain at 700/750ºC for 1 hour per 1 to 2 cm of cylinder radius
- slowly decrease to casting temperature (max 70ºC/hour)
e) Knocking-out. The mould is left to cool down, then shattered by immersion in water and/or by using a high pressure cleaning system. The part can then be recovered to undergo finishing steps.
Packaging
In 25 kg plastic bag
Shelf Life
Do not expose to freezing and moisture, 12 months under dry condition pictures
Health and Safety
HYDRACAST™ Tradition may generate dust. We therefore recommend that a mask be always worn whilst working with this refractory product and to ensure that the workplace is well ventilated.
++ DOWNLOADS++
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| Product information |  |
++ USP++
- professional results
- simple processing
