Ceramic Slurry Dipping Schedule

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The Lost Wax Casting Process
Wax: An Overview
Ceramic Slurry Dipping Schedule
The Sandcasting Process
The Chasing Process
Methods for Joining Bronze
Patinas
Investment Casting: 1930-1950
Project #2: Sandcasting a Bas Relief Bronze Plaque
How to Build a Bronze Casting Furnace
Foundry Safety
Furnace Lighting Procedure
Project #1: Direct Wax Sculpture, Ceramic Shell
Casting

This is the dipping schedule for ceramic shell investment casting that
we use at Cal State University Long Beach. This is just one example
of a dipping schedule, I've talked to a number of casters and they all
seem to have their own. In my home studio I modify the dipping a bit
based on the piece, but the one below is pretty student proof (if they
follow it). Assuming the schedule is followed, the two main factors to
a solid crack-free shell is allowing the shell to fully dry between dips
and a quick burn-out. We preheat the burnout kiln to over 500F
before putting in the shells. Since we started doing this, cracks have
almost completely disappeared. For pieces larger then 25 lb. or so,
add an extra layer of number 3 stucco for every 7-10 lb or so. This
also applies to large flat areas.

Investment Dipping Procedures

Before you start investing

1. Weigh the wax piece (including sprues and cup) and record the weight on the
sculpture data sheet.

2. Check that all sprue, vent, and runner joints are properly welded

3. Show the instructor your piece and make sure he OKs your sprueing and
venting.

4. Draw a picture of your piece so that you and others will be able to recognize
it once it is invested.

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Ceramic Slurry Dipping Schedule

5. Shellac the piece with one medium coat. Use shellac only (not lacquer or
acrylic).

6. You are now ready to start dipping.

Investing

Dipping for smaller pieces

1. Hold the piece parallel to the floor and cradle in both hands.

2. Gently dip the piece into the slurry and rotate for about 30 seconds.

3. Lift up the piece and allow it to drain completely until it stops dripping.
Rotate occasionally to assure an even coat and that there are no puddles in
crevasses.

Dipping for larger pieces

1. Put the metal grate on the slurry tank.

2. Rest the piece on the grate and use one or more of the following methods:

a. Using a cup pour slurry over the piece

b. Use a brush to paint slurry onto all surfaces.

c. Dip part of the piece and use methods a or b to coat the rest of the piece
with slurry.

3. Allow the piece to drain completely until it stops dripping. Rotate

occasionally to assure an even coat and that there are no puddles in
crevasses.

Dip #1 & 2

1. Check the piece to be sure there are no loose pieces of wax.

2. Dip and drain the piece then put it on the shelf.

3. Check the slurry tank to make sure there are no pieces of wax that fell off
your piece. Remove any pieces of wax with the strainer.

Dip #3 - #12

1. Follow the investment chart on the wall in the slurry room for the
schedule of dips.

[Dips #3-5: #1 stucco, dips #6-8: #2 stucco, add reinforcing wire if needed,
dips #9-11: #3 stucco]

2. Sift the stucco in the appropriate stucco bin so it is clean. Create a flat bed

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Ceramic Slurry Dipping Schedule

to place your piece on.

3. Use the compressed air line (20 psi max pressure) to blow off any loose
stucco from your piece.

4. Coat the piece with slurry and let it drain into the slurry tank until it no
longer drips excessively. There should be an even coating of slurry on the
whole piece, no puddles or dry spots.

5. Put the piece on the bed of stucco and sift more stucco onto it. Rotate the
piece or throw stucco into it so that it is covered on all sides.

6. Wipe the stucco off from the top of the cup.

7. Place the piece cup down onto the shelves to dry.

8. Clean the stucco bin with the strainer and throw away any small globs or
chunks.

9. Mark the time of the dip on your sculpture data sheet. If there were any
unusual problems, mark them on your sculpture data sheet.

The Final Dip

1. Use slurry only, no stucco.

2. Allow the piece to dry for at least 12 hours before burnout.

Important Points to Note

Safety

Use gloves to protect your hands. Slurry is composed of microscopic particles

of silica that can seep into the skin and cause skin problems.

Wear a dust mask.

Care of the Slurry Tank If you dont take care of it, it is your sculptures that
may not cast properly.

It is important to keep as much stucco as possible out of the slurry tank. Be

sure to gently blow off any loose stucco with the air hose before you dip it.?
On the front bottom of the slurry tank, there is a red line. It marks where
the propeller is; do not put your piece into the propeller especially if the
motor is running!

If possible, wait until the motor in the slurry tank turns off before you dip so
the propeller will not hit your piece.

You are responsible to keep the slurry tank clean of any wax particles. Check
it after your first dip!

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Ceramic Slurry Dipping Schedule

Allow the slurry to drip off your piece while turning the mold. Do not let it get
too dry or the stucco will not stick to parts of your sculpture causing thing
areas in the mold.

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