Lost Wax Casting Guide: Definition & Process [+ How To Start]

If you're interested in creating intricately-designed metal, glass, or ceramic objects, lost wax casting could be the perfect process for you. It's a technique that's been used for thousands of years, and one that's still as popular today as it ever was. In this beginner's guide to lost wax casting, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started.

What is Lost Wax Casting?

Lost wax casting is a process that's also known as investment casting. It involves creating a detailed wax mold of the object you want to make, then coating it in a ceramic or plaster material. When the mold is heated, the wax melts away, leaving a cavity that can be filled with molten metal, glass, or ceramics. This results in a perfect replica of the original object.

There are various types of lost wax casting techniques, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most commonly used include:

- Investment Casting: This is the traditional method of lost wax casting, which involves creating a wax mold that's then coated in a ceramic shell. The mold is heated to melt away the wax, then filled with molten metal, glass, or ceramics. This technique is ideal for creating detailed objects with precise dimensions and complex shapes.

- Sand Casting: This is a variation of investment casting, which involves creating a mold from sand rather than ceramic. Sand casting is less precise than investment casting, but it's cheaper and faster.

- Plaster Casting: This technique involves creating a mold from plaster rather than wax. The plaster mold is then used to create a ceramic mold, which is filled with molten metal or glass.

- Glass Casting: This is a variation of lost wax casting that's specifically used for creating glass objects. The process is similar to traditional investment casting, but the mold is made from a special heat-resistant material.

Getting Started with Lost Wax Casting

If you're interested in trying lost wax casting for yourself, there are a few steps you'll need to follow:

1. Create a pattern: The first step in lost wax casting is creating a detailed pattern of the object you want to cast. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as wax, plastic, or even metal.

2. Make a mold: Once you have your pattern, you'll need to create a mold around it. This can be done using ceramic or plaster materials. The mold needs to be able to withstand high temperatures without melting or breaking.

3. Melt the pattern: Once you have your mold, you'll need to carefully melt away the pattern inside. This is typically done by heating the mold in a furnace.

4. Fill the mold: Once your mold is ready, you can fill it with molten metal, glass, or ceramics. This can be done using a variety of techniques, such as pouring or injection.