Kerr Centrifico Casting Machine
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This tool is no longer at the space. Find what actually exists at PS1 on the Equipment page. |
Operation
- Start burnout process for flask
- clamp machine to sturdy table
- place chipboard box over machine (box currently (7/2015) located on top of lockers near back door)
- wind machine counter clockwise for several turns
- while holding wound machine, lift shiny metal bar upward and gently rest the swing arm against it
- Pressure from swing arm will hold shiny bar in place
- retract crucible tray (the metal bit that moves back and forth along the centrifugal arm axis)
- start heating metal in separate crucible in a safe, nearby location. Preferably surrounded by firebrick
- remove flask from burnout oven
- place appropriately sized sheet metal support ring over heated investment flask
- we have one for our wider flasks and one for the narrow flasks. Both are located with the flasks, crucibles, and casting machine
- load flask and support ring onto the swinging arm
- push crucible tray up against back of heated flask until snug
- load crucible with molten metal into crucible tray. Keep under torch as much as possible to prevent oxidation.
- Try not to torch the casting machine
- pull counterweight slightly counterclockwise to release shiny metal bar
- release counterweight and GET YOUR ARM OUT OF THE WAY
- allow spinning arm to come to a complete stop before removing crucible/investment flask
- dunk investment flask into water bucket to disintegrate investment
- admire prize
To-Do
- better mounting for tables
- document the box you put around it to avoid splashy metal
- Current box is kind of crappy, but works fine