Bronze Step
Bronze Metal and Bronze Casting Described
Bronze Casting has been practiced for centuries. Many civilizations have used this alloy for weapons, sculptures, and general pieces of hardware. The popular way to cast bronze is the Lost Wax Casting process which was first used sometime in the 3000 BC near ancient Sumeria. The Lost Wax process is still used to this day and its modern equivalent Investment Casting is very popular with jewelry makers.
Bronze is the preferred alloy for metal working artists as it's relatively easy to work with and resistant to corrosion. The properties of bronze tend to be stronger than most other alloys, except of course for steel, and lends itself easily to the molding and casting process. Many small foundries like the kind that can be found in a backyard or workshop find that bronze is a great material to work with and with a melting point of 1,700 Fahrenheit or about 925 Celsius many homemade furnaces are able to melt down the bronze quickly and efficiently.
Many modern day artists create their own furnaces with the metal casting in mind. These metal casters employ the Lost Wax Casting method which proves to be the best when dealing with the alloy. The Lost Wax Casting is making an original of the sculpture from wax and then creating a mold using this original. Often times the original is lost during the mold making process so keep that in mind if you want to hang on to the original for whatever reason. Molten wax is poured into the mold which is chased or smoothed of imperfections. During this point, any other pieces are attached and small wax tubes are placed into the piece. These tubes will be how the molten bronze is going to travel into the piece replacing wax with the alloy. When this is complete the artist will create a ceramic shell around the wax model. This shell will help form the molten bronze which will melt the wax. When the molten bronze is poured the bronze takes place of the wax. Afterwards, the artist will crack the shell and reveal the bronze piece. This method allows the transfer of very exact detail from the wax to the bronze.
Patina is added to the figure at the artist's discretion. The Patina is a chemical that when applied to bronze creates colors and makes the bronze take an aged look. The Patrina compounds used depends on the type of color desired. Ferric Nitrate will make the bronze take on a red or brown color while Sulphurated Potash will make black and Cupric Nitrate will create blue and green. Modern day artists choose to go with a very high polished bronze instead of using these compounds. This step depends solely on the artist’s taste and the look they are going for.
Bronze casting will remain a popular medium until another alloy is developed that exhibits properties that are easier to manage and are more resistant to corrosion. Casting the alloy is easily done so metal casters that want to experiment are encouraged to do so. Making anything from small figurines, large sculptures, and even cabinet handles can be accomplished with the use of bronze. The only limitations in bronze casting are with the caster himself.
About the Author
Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Metal Casting Zone also has a Metal Casting Forum, Metal Casting Information, and a Metal Casting Blog that can all be found at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Go to http://www.metalcastingzone.com to see the latest information on Metal Casting that has been added.
US $16.15
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
 |
12 GALLON METALLA STEP CAN
Sale Price: $49.97 - $49.99 Average Rating:  |
DescriptionTwelve-gallon metallic trash can with hands-free, foot pedal operation offers astylish, intelligent way to eliminate trash. One trash can becomes two with theremovable bag divider that allows for either trash or recycling storage, anda retention ring that prevents the bag from falling... |
 |
Hinkley Lighting 58009BZ 120V Line Voltage Step Light, 9 Watt CFL G23-2 Light Bulb, Bronze List Price: Sale Price: $86.00 |
DescriptionThe Hinkley Lighting 58009BZ is a Exterior Small Wall Mount Light Fixture in the Bronze Finish with Flat, Clear, Tempered, Shock and Heat Resistant Glass Lens. This Light Fixture is from the Line Vo Lightage Landscape Collection and is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) & Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) Approved. Features
|
 |
Foster: Foster for Brass
Sale Price: $8.99 Average Rating: |
 |
Bronze III, the Final Steps: Woodsmaster Volume 20 (DVD)
Sale Price: $26.95 |
DescriptionJoin Ron Hood and let him teach you all about: Making Green Sand; the importance of Riddling; Making a Frame or Flask; Making an indexing key; Using an Electric Kiln as a Furnace; What a cone is used for; Why the magnet is your friend; Low cost or free sources for Brass and Bronze; How to cast fragile items in plaster; How to make a wax impression; Watch 2 actual molten Bronze pours and see how its done! Features
|
 |
California Tan Metro 365 Step 2 Step Dark Tan Booster Bronzer Tanning Lotion 8.5 oz List Price: Sale Price: $12.99 |
DescriptionCalifornia Tan Metro 365 Step 2 Step Dark Tan Booster Bronzer Tanning Lotion 8.5 oz Features
|
Nib Mary
Off Formula
Cream Gel
Avon Liiv
Norm Dry
Papaya Enzyme
Daily Eye
Ear Loop
Firming Mask
Ceramic Skin