Produce wax castings using moulds
Overview
This standard covers the skills to produce a range of simple and complex moulds such as two part moulds, three part moulds and spiral cutting for wax castings using different materials. You will prepare mould and sprue formers, check master patterns and produce wax components. You will also experiment with mixing ratios and understand the lifespan of materials used in wax casting.
You will also check and fix master patterns, develop wax carving and repairing knowledge as well as understanding non-commercial forms of casting.
You will be expected to check the quality of your work and to seek guidance on defects, advice on actions to rectify them, and to ensure that the finished work meets the required specification.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- complete preparatory work prior to waxing and casting in line with industry best practice
- prepare mould frames in line with industry best practice
- prepare sprue formers in line with industry best practice
- select techniques and procedures for wax injecting in line with project needs
- inspect master patterns for surface defects in line with industry best practice
- follow techniques and procedures for producing and cutting vulcanized moulds in line with workplace instructions
- produce wax components in line with project needs
- produce components using a range of mould cutting techniques in line with project needs
- experiment with different ratios and mixes to achieve a variety of results in line with project needs
- remove master patterns without damage in line with industry best practice
- check the completed moulds to ascertain they meet the specification required in line with workplace instructions
- seek support and guidance when problems arise in line with workplace instructions
- check the work for defects in line with the needs of the project
- produce components using a range of curing mould processes in line with project needs
- take action to rectify any defects detected in line with workplace instructions
- complete the work to the given specification in line with workplace instructions
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- safety precautions to be taken when handling sharp instruments and chemicals including safe transport and storage
- a range of techniques and procedures for wax injecting
- how to clean, maintain and use wax injection equipment
- quantities and mixing ratios
- working lifespan of materials and mixes
- the importance of preparing the master patterns and equipment before starting mould work
- how to prepare master patterns and equipment
- methods and techniques of mould making
- the reasons for using releasing agents
- the significance of sprue placement and reservoirs
- methods and techniques for the removal of master patterns
- the range of components that can be produced
- different types of wax, techniques and tools that are used
- non-commercial forms of casting
- wax carving and repair techniques
- who to ask for support and when to do so
- how to check that the moulds meet the needs of the specification
- best practice in creating moulds within chosen jewellery industry
- the importance of following the given specification and timescales
- common defects and ways to rectify these
Scope/range
Wax components can be made using the following curing mould processes:
- hot
- cold
Mould cutting techniques include:
- two part mould
- three part mould
- spiral cutting