How to Cast Metal for Jewelry
Casting metal for jewelry is a simple process if you have the right casting tools. You need to build a mold and then cast this mold in a machine that makes metal casts for jewelry. You start by carving your piece from wax, which you can buy from a jewelry casting and supply store. Then you use this wax mold (it is actually a form, not a mold because it is a real duplicate of the actual piece your are casting in the mold), to create your metal mold. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Jewelry casting wax
- Mold casting machine
- Sharp surgical knife
- Carving knives
- Wax injector
- Mold rubber or silicone
Instructions
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Carve a replica of the jewelry piece from a block of wax called a model. In some cases you may want to melt your wax first and place it in a cup which you can remove and carve from this, to remove any air bubbles in the wax. That may not be necessary with higher-quality waxes.
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Make sure your carved model replica matches your piece of jewelery exactly. Be certain all the attaching parts, rings, and important sections of the item are exactly as you want. Carve carefully and exactly.
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Insert the model or replica on a spinning base in your jewelry casting machine. Then insert the casting material for your specific type of metal. Different silicones and materials should be used for each type of metal.
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Create your mold using the casting machine. Once your mold is finished, remove it, and then test your mold by injecting it with a hot wax injection. You will need a special machine to complete this step of the process. This also gives you another form to make yet another mold, so you can continue to create exact replicas of your jewelry piece.
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Tips & Warnings
Cast molds for jewelry come in many shapes and sizes, and they can be cut into several types of materials. Some jewelry molds are made using CAD/CAM machines which carve die and cast molds directly from blocks of wax or silicone. This gives a more precise cut, but is not considered as artistic by some. You can also carve your mold into different types of wax that have differing levels of flexibility. This allows you to create different shapes and work in ways you can not work with harder waxes. Having the best tools for the job like a sharp surgical knife, and carving knifes that help you achieve precise cuts in various shapes will help make a more accurate mold.
Casting jewelry involves handling hot materials, silicones, and rubbers that can be hazardous. Always cast in a well vented area away from flammable materials.
