plastercaster
Mechanical
Ethyl Silicate or similar binders seem to be ideal for my casting process. It is water soluble, minimally reactive, and able to withstand high temperatures.
I have contacted several investment casting supply companies for more information, but my interest has not been returned, I fear because my company currently has a very low profile.
I cannot find any information about using ethyl silicate or other binders normally used in slurry coating, as binders for a solid block mold.
Is this because its a ridiculous idea for whatever reason, or because no one has needed to try it yet?
Will the mold crack? Does ethyl silicate just not do well in larger thicknesses? Are there any alternatives, that do not include gypsum or phosphate binders?
For additional clarification on what I am trying to do: essentially I am trying to create a solid block mold that can be used to cast a highly intricate and pure copper part. Gypsum has been found to react with copper due to the sulfur, and phosphate based plasters are far too strong to remove after casting, except by excessive chemical soaking.
I have contacted several investment casting supply companies for more information, but my interest has not been returned, I fear because my company currently has a very low profile.
I cannot find any information about using ethyl silicate or other binders normally used in slurry coating, as binders for a solid block mold.
Is this because its a ridiculous idea for whatever reason, or because no one has needed to try it yet?
Will the mold crack? Does ethyl silicate just not do well in larger thicknesses? Are there any alternatives, that do not include gypsum or phosphate binders?
For additional clarification on what I am trying to do: essentially I am trying to create a solid block mold that can be used to cast a highly intricate and pure copper part. Gypsum has been found to react with copper due to the sulfur, and phosphate based plasters are far too strong to remove after casting, except by excessive chemical soaking.
