3D Printer and 3D Printer Technologies

Prototyping

Prototyping can be referred to as method of getting virtual 3D model printed onto a 2D object. Prototyping falls in the category of ‘rapid prototyping’ technology. The function typically performed by 3D printers is that of printing consecutive layers on the previous ones for building up a 3D object. It is easier, more affordable, and faster to use 3D printers as compared to other technologies related to additive fabrication.

Technologies: Initially, production of a prototype required a lot of man-hours, tools, and experienced labor. For instance, after designing a novel Street Light Luminaire digitally, drawings used to be sent to accomplished craftsmen where the paper design used to be followed with utmost pains and a 3D Printing used to be formed in wood through the utilization of the entire shop that is full of costly tools and working machinery. One can easily make out that this process consumed a lot of time. Moreover, the skillful labor was not all that cheap. These shortcomings necessitated the need of rapid prototyping.

3D printing has a variation called Inkjet Printing System. It involves binding of fine powder layers (resins, cornstarch, or plaster) by the way of printing a gum from inkjet print head as per the shape of every cross-section as spotted by the CAD file. This is the only technology allowing full color prototypes to be printed. This method is really believed by many to be the quickest.

Alternately, liquids are fed by these machines. Photopolymer is one of such kind. These machines make use of UV (ultraviolet) flood lamp. It is mounted in print head for curing each layer on its deposition. A new technology called Fused Deposition Modeling uses a nozzle to deposit molten polymer layer by layer to the supported structure. The other approach is Selective Fusing of Print Media in the granular bed. Here, the media that has been unfused supports thin walls and overhangs in the piece which is being produced, thereby reducing need for temporary auxiliary supports for the work piece.

Ultimately, 3D Micro fabrication technique having a photo polymerization of 2-photons might be used to make ultra small features. Here, the preferred 3D object gets traced out by a completely focused laser in a gel block. The curing of gel into a solid takes place only in places where laser had been focused, owing to photo excitation’s non-linear nature. The gel that is left out gets washed away.

Resolution: Resolution is measured in terms of layer thickness. The X-Y resolution is given in dpi. 100 microns is the characteristic layer thickness. The X-Y resolution is compatible with laser printers. Diameter of the particles, i.e. 50-100 microns is about 3D dots.

Applications: Standard applications are inclusive of design visualization, metal casting, CAD/prototyping, architecture, geospatial, education, healthcare, retail/entertainment, etc. Off late, 3D printing technology is being used in artistic expressions. Its biotechnological applications include bio-printing, computer-aided Tissue engineering, and organ printing.

Self-replication: The main purpose behind using 3D printing technology is its ability to replicate itself. RepRap is one such printer. It has the ability to print plastic parts and circuit boards. In the future, there are those who think that it will print metals as well.

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Learn about Metal Casting

Casting Information

DIY Metal Casting is an ancient technique that has a variety of applications and purposes. Civilizations from the dawn of time to present day have used metal working as a way of creating artistic, religious, and practical items. Metal Casting is simply melting metal and turning it into a different shape, a shape or design that you created. The furnaces used in metal casting helped pave the way for the Industrial Revolution, without which the course of history would be dramatically different. Metal casting is just one form of metal working that has seen a recent surge in popularity as resources are becoming more affordable and communities are springing up to share information, ideas, and projects.

There are certain things you need in order to do metal casting and those are special equipment and a little knowledge and a lot of creavity. While metal casting is used on an Industrial level as the process cuts cost and proves to be highly efficient, many individuals participate in metal casting as a hobby and in artistic endeavors. Many people are drawn to metal casting for one reason or another, although there seems to be two main motivations that stand out. The first motivation that brings hobbyists to practice metal casting is need; people may need to create items or parts for other ventures. Metal casting is a great way to build hard to find pieces for models, restoration projects, and even just small replacement parts needed for common household items. The second motivation for using metal casting is using it as a way to create sculptures or other artistic endeavors.

Whatever the reason, small scale Metal Casting is attractive because that it can be done right at home, either in the backyard or workshop. Individuals working in metal casting are able to create home made tools and equipment like furnaces and molds. Metal casting is only limited by the individual’s desire, so for those with the time and the need, virtually anything is possible.

The actual casting process in Home Metal Casting has several forms, the most popular being sand casting. Sand Casting uses a mold that you create and then pour metal into so you can make a certain shape. You want the metal to cool for a significant amount of time and then the mold can be removed. This type of casting proves to be the most economical, but other types of casting can provide fuller detail and higher quality results.

Since metal casting involves working with metal in its molten form, the process can be dangerous if undertaken by the reckless or ill informed. The melting points of several metals are well above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, or 530 degrees Celsius. It is vital that anyone wanting to work with metal casting take all the proper precautions. Safety advice can range from simple  common sense such as "never look directly into a high powered flame" to more specific warnings such as "when molten metal contacts a nonporous surface with water it is liable to explode, splashing hot metal everywhere." The use of appropriate safety gear such as gloves and goggles is necessary as well.

With time, dedication, and some know how, anyone can practice the craft of metal casting. Metal Casting is a very enjoyable and rewarding craft but it does require a certain amount of education to get started.

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How to Cast Resin and the Basics of Casting Resin

Casting Resin

Home Metal Casting is known and loved for the high temperatures, glowing molten metal, and the possibility to make nearly anything. Metal and their alloys are not the only things that can be used in casting. Casting in plastic, most notably resin casting, is becoming popular with artists and jewelers looking for something odd and unique.

Resin casting does not involve the use of furnaces, crucibles, or casting sand. In fact all one really needs for resin casting is a mold, some resin (of course), and time.

There are actually two forms of resin casting. The first kind is the one that more closely resembles metal casting, uses a mold and even gates and runners if it's complex enough. The second type of Metal Casting is simply incasing an object in the resin. An example of this is using an ice cube tray and placing an object like a small pendant in one of the tray's cavities and then filling it with the resin solution. After the resin dries you can pop it out of the tray. The pendant is now encased in hard plastic. Sometimes you will see moms and other crafty individuals using this form because its fun for every age and experience. At the very least it's a great way to get rid of some of the clutter around your house and disguise it as art. You can cast leaves, coins, and other objects in the resin to make anything from charms to magnets.

Resin casting using mold is generally used by those who work with models and miniatures. Resin casting is a great way to make several pieces at once so you can avoid shelling out money you may not have and waiting several weeks for delivery of your items. Who has that kind of time anymore?

Like Metal Casting , resin casting will require you to build a mold. If you are fortunate enough then you can easily find pre-made molds, especially if you are working with miniatures. If you don't feel like buying these pre-made molds or just like doing things the hard way, then you will have to make the mold yourself. Don't worry, it's still fun.

You will need to find a molding box this will hold the rubber that will be used to make the actual mold until it dries. Many who work with smaller objects find that working with toy building blocks to create this molding block work extremely well and will provide added convenience. A wooden box will work as well, of course. The box, or flask, will not have a top or bottom, just the four walls. Place molding clay at the bottom of the flask and insert your original. Make sure to add a way for the resin plastic to enter the mold. The very top of the mold is where the funnel should be placed. You are going to prepare the silicone rubber and catalyst which will be used to create the mold. Follow the instructions on the labels since each type will vary. A process called degassing can be used which will remove all the air bubbles from the rubber. This is a fun process involving a vacuum pump.

Slowly pour the rubber into the flask, covering the original. This can take up to a day to dry, so be patient. Remove the molding clay and repeat the process using the bottom part of the flask, or drag. Now if you think about it you will have two parts, the original is in the middle. When dry, remove the mold from the box and very carefully split the mold to remove the original.

Place the mold back together and prepare the resin solution, follow the instructions to the letter. The resin should be poured into the top of the mold where you put the cup. The set time for the resin should be stated on the bottle, but for most it will take up to 30 minutes. When you are ready to see you can crack the mold and open it to remove the cast.

Resin casting can be a great family craft project but just make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines. This type of casting can still be dangerous even though you are not dealing with molten metals. Often times, the solutions and chemicals used in resin casting are poisonous if consumed. Not to mention that resin casting can be a bit smelly so working outside or in a well ventilated room is advisable.

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Basic CNC Information

CNC

You will find in different magazines that people rate a CNC Router as one of the best tools to have in your shop. This is a versatile tool that can make things a lot easier for the person using it.

CNC actually stands for computer numerical control and it is a machine that works through the use of a computer that reads a particular code called a G-Code to make certain parts. This computer does the work by cutting away materials that the code tells it to cut. The machine has certain parameters that it works within and these are determined by a software program.

Before CNC machines, there were NC machines which stands for numerically controlled and the problem with these were that you could not change their parameters that they worked within. As the popularity of these machines grew the CNC came into being but used the old NC styled hardware. Eventually the programs became more sophisticated and used floppy disks instead of punched tape to transfer the codes to the machine until it eventually evolved to what is in place today.

CNC machines were responsible for changing the manufacturing industry. These machines could produce curves, straight lines or complex structures in 3-D without much human interaction. In fact, the machining steps that were required for a human to do were reduced to just a few steps.

As these machines continued to improve and automation began to be instituted in the processes for manufacturing, the CNC machine again improved and decreased the error frequency while improving quality. This automation helped the operator's production overall. With the CNC automation it brought more flexibility to the way parts were held in the process of manufacturing and it reduced the time it took to change the machine in order to produce different types of components.

Today, there are a variety of uses for the CNC machines and they are controlled through computer files that were created through CAM software packages. This enabled any part of the assembly process to go from design to manufacturing without a drafting plan created on paper.

CNC Machines also are something like a robot system because they can be programmed to do any kind of machine operation that has been programmed into them. They can also run 24 hours a day. One nice feature is that you can have the computer call the operator if a problem arises so you don't have to wait for hours to know theres a problem.

Through the use of the software programming the DIY CNC machine can cut curves, drill holes, tap, repeat the processes in a series --as an example a series of holes spaced so many spaces apart and it can support logical commands.
There are many different types of CNC machines including routers, wood routers, lathe machines, mill machines, plasma cutters and more. You have several options if you want one from buying one new to making one yourself; there are many plans on the Internet to show you how to build your own.

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How to Tell if You are Inftected with Spyware

According to most PC magazines 80% of all computers have spyware on them.Not all of these programs are bad, in fact most do nothing to gather your private information.In english that means most of these programs do very little to slow down or harm your computer.  In fact many of these programs such as games come installed on PCs right from the store.

You still need to make sure you are not infected.Most free virus scanners do nothing to stop spyware.Almost all free scanners do not provide active protection.  Read a bit more about some popular threats at on this Remove Virtumonde site or this Trojan Vundo site.  Both sites provide some good detail on spyware and how it affects your computer.

Don't worry you can scan your PC for free and see if you are infected.  I’m not talking about using a junk client.  Check out the sites highlighted above for a free trial of Spyware Doctor.This is the main tool we use to repair peoples commputers when they are infected with Spyware.This bad boy keeps winning awards because it is one of the best out there.Like everything in life worth value it does cost money but you can get a free 30 day trial.  You really only need one day because the first scan will let you know if you have infections or not.  If not then don’t worry about it.  If you are infected with spyware then you need to take action.

Once the scan is done there is a metter in most programs that will tell you the threat level.  If you see a cookie as an infection and chances are you will don’t worry about it.  These are harmless little traces that do nothing.

Another good resource is this vundo
site.It's a great resource to learn how viruses and spyware work.  Remember do not purchase any spyware software or virus software without getting some feedback on it.  The other thing to remember is no free client on the market provides enough protection.  Most of these programs do not give you protection.  It’s only after you have been infected that they kick in and by then it’s often too late.

Casting Wax and the Basics of Lost Wax Casting

Casting Wax

DIY Metal Casting is an ancient technique that has been used to create very complicated metal castings and involved pieces that would other wise be impossible either because of economic reasons or manufacturing reasons. Everyone from small jewelers to large industrial foundries can use Lost Wax Casting. This process is also called Investment Casting when it is used in commercial industries. While jewelry makers are the primary ones to use the Lost Wax Casting, many others use it to achieve a number aims and goals.

Lost Wax Casting is the ideal and preferred method for artists who are interested in making items like sculptures or rings from a variety of alloys like bronze, steel, or copper. This process is quite involved but not all that complex as long as you have some kind of metal casting know-how. For anyone wanting to experiment with different casting methods Lost Wax Casting is a great option because it involves a few materials and methods that are not normally found in other methods like Sand Casting.

The most noticeable difference of Lost Wax Casting from other castings is exactly what's in the name; the wax. To use Lost Wax Casting you do not necessarily have to be an artists but some skill in sculpting might be nice. You are going to start off by creating a sculpture from wax that will be the original.

You will then create a mold of the original. The mold is usually created from plaster with latex lining to help preserve the details of the original. If this is your first attempt at Lost Wax Casting you may want to make an original without a lot of detail just to get the feel for the entire process and so you do not become discouraged if something does not work out. Remember metal casting is a skill that must be learned by research, trial, and error. Chances are that you will not be completely successful, the first time around. The original piece is usually lost after the construction of the mold. This is normal and if you do want to prevent this from happening you can create the original from material other then wax like a metal alloy.

When the mold is ready you are then going to pour molten wax, you're not ready for metal just yet, into the mold. The wax you will need and the amount of wax you will need really depends on how thick you want the material to be. Once the copy is ready, you are going to remove it very carefully from the mold. You will remove any of the impurities from the copy. This is called chasing.

You will then sprue the copy. Spruing is the act of carefully placing paths that will let the molten metal in and air out. Afterwards, a ceramic shell is created around the copy. The shell isn't really ceramic but a combination of liquid silica and sand. Traditionally, and in some areas still, animal dung and dirt is used to create the shell. The choice of which shell material you want to use is up to you. The shell is hardened in the kiln and the wax melts out. If you want to reuse the wax then collect it during this step. Wax can be reused a number of times and if you are on a budget or are just trying out different designs and methods, collecting the wax is encouraged. Once the wax is gone and all that remains is the hollow shell you will want to run water through it to make sure there are no leaks. If there are then you will need to patch them before pouring the molten metal.

You really want to make sure you that you reheat the shell becuase if you don't it will shatter the shell if you try to pour the metal. The shell is still on the sprue tree so pouring the metal is an easy process. When the metal has hardened, then break the shell carefully and remove the cast. Afterwards, it is up to you to finish the piece to your liking and preference.

Metal Casting process is an enjoyable experience but it does use a few tools that you might need to purchase before hand, like the wax and spruing tree. At the very least, you might want to try Lost Wax Casting once or twice to get a feel for it. This way you have another casting process at your disposal.

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Iron Casting, Iron Melting, and Iron Furnace Information

Iron Melting

Many believe that Metal Casting is just simply out of reach for small furnaces but this is not the case. While alloys like aluminum are more prevalent in home foundries. Artists and hobbyists have also used brass, bronze, and even iron to fulfill their casting needs.

Industrial foundries commonly use iron for a variety of items like cookware, like cast iron pans, and even bridges. Casting iron provides an easy and effective method of making such large structural pieces and even smaller pieces for around the home.

The most common furnace type used by home foundries is the cupola furnace. The cupola is a basic furnace type that does not need a crucible as it allows the caster to pour the molten metal directly from the furnace into a ladle which is then poured into the mold. Cupola furnaces resemble smoke stacks and can be home made for those with enough confidence and some mechanical know-how to attempt it. The various fuels that are needed to heat the particular types of metal really depend on the casters preferences. Many will use propane and some will use coal. There are a select few that will use waste material such as old scraps of metal and the powder at the bottom of bags of barbecue coal to fuel the cupola. For iron many would recommend the use of propane, but there have been some casters that have succeeded with waste material. There are a lot of different fuels that you can use for your furnace so you should try a lot of different fuels.

Finding a source of iron can be difficult and a trip to the scrap yard might be in order. This is just one of the exciting ventures that DIY Metal Casting can provide you. First you need to find your iron that you will use and then you can start preparing your mold. This is assuming you have a pattern in mind that you want to cast. If not, then go ahead and figure something out even if it’s a small piece in order to test your iron casting ability. Since sand casting is the most popular casting method you might want to use it for the iron casting especially if you are familiar with the method and not with iron. 

After making the sand mold and placing the runner for the molten iron you will melt the metal. The melting point of iron is 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit or about 1538 degree Celsius. Since all metals melt at different temperatures don't be impatient if iron takes longer to melt and don't be surprised if it’s quicker.

When the molten iron is ready you are going to pour some into a ladle and the pour that into the sand mold. The cope and drag or the top and bottom of the mold are what hold the sand mold together. The runners are in place in the mold to allow the molten iron a place to enter. When the iron is cool, remove the cast from the sand carefully and there you have a cast of iron.

As with all metal casts, you will need to follow the appropriate safety steps to avoid any accidents. Accidents with molten metal will always be very painful so make sure you wear gloves, jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt. You may also want a heavy duty leather apron and a pair of goggles.

Metal Casting is a great way to create restoration items or pieces for around the home and even for artistic purposes.

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Spyware Removal Tools What To Look For

Computers which crash on a frequent basis can be very frustrating when we have taken measures to prevent them from crashing. Certainly, all the information technology that is at our disposal is used, but this doesn't necessarily help us. Staring a system off clean and requiring password access is usually the first step.

Then the programs that are needed for the business and the owner are uploaded, and these files are double checked to make sure they did not include any nasty secondary programs. An additional precaution is that any availability to the internet should be severely limited, as to prevent the downloading of harmful programs or connections that will bring additional problems.

While company email and networks are open to most workers, programs like internet messengers or online shared programs are not, which goes a long way in ensuring the productivity of the workforce. Truthfully, it is impossible to prevent employees from using office computers to chat or download files not related to office duties. Cyber industry's major pain is actually spyware and or adware, something that can cause major problems for your business.

Once the internet and computer industries began booming, spyware was not far behind them, the negative ramifications predictably following the positive ones. Sometimes negative actions become so popular that a large swell of people will choose to take part in these negative actions.

Though the person behind spyware may be a genius, they are also a traitor to all the victims, many of whom are unaware of its existence until it messes up their system. Spyware gathers information about a user without them knowing or consenting, and there is certainly nothing right with these actions. The tools used to accomplish this privacy invasion are, unfortunately, completely proliferating.

This software works by sending advertisements to pop up on your system, and material will be downloaded on the system whenever you try to close the ad or type anything in the box. This is a difficultly reality to get out of, and the best you can hope for is that the people responsible can be tracked down and made to stop their nefarious actions. Illicit programs and malware can come bundled with the legal programs and services of an entirely different company.

Though there are many adware spyware removal programs, their efficiency in removing adware or spyware is flimsy at best. You may find an adware spyware removal program that works, but you have a much greater chance of finding one of the dozens of con spyware removal programs that function instead as additional spyware waiting to be downloaded onto your system. Any adware spyware removal program that you have your sights are should be thoroughly researched, and once a keeper is found, that adware spyware removal program should be held on to with dear life, for they are rare specimens indeed.

Basics of Gravity Casting

Gravity Die Casting

DIY Metal Casting is more than just an excuse to play with molten metal it is actually a great way to create art and complicated pieces of machinery or other items that would otherwise be nearly impossible to make. Metal Casting is really a great way to save money...while playing with molten metal.

The reason that DIY Metal Casting has survived the test of time is a matter or efficiency. Some of the earliest casting examples have been found in China dating back thousands and thousands of years. In fact every major civilization from the Egyptians to the Romans practiced metal casting. This skill came back into vogue during the Renaissance and has continued to advance and evolve from there. While Sand Casting is the most popular casting process there are many, many more processes available to the backyard foundries.

Not everyone is going to be casting heavy pieces like engine parts or cast their own motorcycles. So for those that just want to make decorative pieces you will not be using the same casting process as these heavy duty casters.  For artists creating small scale statues or embellishes and for hobbyists that need a decorative touch to their model plane or boat might want to consider using gravity casting for their needs.

Gravity casting seems to be especially useful when dealing with aluminum and other light alloys. The metal casting or casting name really describes exactly what the task is. The metal is introduced into the mold by the force of gravity. Most other casting process either use natural pressure difference like the kind in certain sand casting procedures or they use forced pressure like in centrifugal casting to get the molten metal into the mold. 

One of the most common uses for Gravity Casting is when permanent molds are going to be used. Also called a die, the permanent mold is really only economical for those planning on using the same mold numerous times and will need to keep the quality at a constant level. While some temporary molds can be repeatedly used the quality of the finished product will begin to suffer over time. With die molds the quality will remain the same. Die molds should be seen as an investment. Yes, they will be more costly then other molds; however they will outlast cheaper options for molds. Steel, Cast Iron and a variety of other metals are what permanent molds are created out of.

Gravity casting is used for the permanent mold process with pleasing results. Gravity casting is usually used when the finished product is more visually based then structurally based which is why this method is a favorite of artists and even some jewelers. The loss of strength is due to the lack of pressure used in this process. For those that need the strength but still want to use gravity casting, more of the molten metal will need to be used which will increase the weight.

Relying on gravity will take patience, although it will be needed for larger products.

If you have never tried gravity casting then you should, because you just may be surprised by what such a simple thing like gravity can create. For the sake of humor, make an apple and see what happens.

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Home Made Foundry Basics and Home Foundry Information Described

Home Metal Casting

The Do It Yourself movement is certainly not a new one. The term, DIY was popularized in the 1950s but the concept has been around for ages. The concept behind DIY is undertaking a variety of projects either home improvement, restoration, or arts and craft without the help of paid professionals.

Recently the DIY movement has received a boost of popularity with the aid of the internet. Many are finding that DIY projects are easier to undertake with the help of instructional websites which provide step by step instructions and real advice from people who have actually accomplished the DIY process. Several of these sites provide ideas, photos, message boards, and a sense of community for Do It Yourselfers that was simply not available years ago.

Do It Yourself projects really have no boundaries and can be anything your mind can create. Certainly the most common projects include home improvement such as cabinetry or installing plumbing fixtures, but one of the oldest DIY projects has to be metal casting.

As soon as metal casting was invented you say people trying metal casting at home and thus the metal casting movement was created. Metal Casting is so basic in the fact that you melt the metal and turn it into another shape of your choice. Metal casting has been used in the ancient world for the use of making weapons, jewelry, and even religious icons. Metal Casting from DIYers everywhere are used in just about any project and hobby that you can think of. This includes home improvement items as well. Metal casting can be used to make door knobs, cabinet handles, and other such items. For hobbyists, small model parts and miniatures can be created. Even artists use metal casting for sculptures and jewelry creation.

Metal casting possesses the true spirit of Do It Yourself. Many metal casters are drawn to the skill because it provides a cheap alternative to purchasing items or having commercial foundries make custom items. Nearly everything used in metal casting can be made by the caster. The furnace, molds, tools, and many others are made by most casters.

Like other DIY projects, the DIY casting movement is being helped along my communities that are found online. These communities act as meeting grounds for casters to share and exchange knowledge and ideas, not to mention blueprints for furnaces and ingredients for casting materials.

Metal casting is the pinnacle of DIY projects as it involves the fabrication of items from metal. The mold of the object that you want to create needs to be made first and then you can start melting the appropriate metal. The molten alloy is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The cast is removed to reveal a copy of the original pattern. There are several casting methods so undertaking a DIY casting project can be very involved and addicting.

In the spirit of DIY, metal casters strive to make the best for the least. A great source for aluminum is soda cans and many casters gladly travel to scrap yards for iron or brass.

The DIY casting movement is really gaining steam as many realize how cheap and fun this alternative is.

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The Diversity And Potential Problems With Different Internet Connections

The internet is made up of a worldwide network of computers; this can make navigating the internet difficult. Data sharing worldwide is possible through these different internet connections. Many feel that the finest resource in the world is the internet. This resource offers both business and pleasure opportunities. Different internet connections that are presently available make organization, communication, and research easier.

We will now learn about the different internet connections that are available. There are many options available, three of the most popular, which are available through the phone lines are: cable, traditional dial-up, and DSL.

As modern technology advances there has been an increase in demand for the wireless varieties of internet connection. With all the different internet connections available, the wireless options are now becoming very popular.

Wireless fidelity or Wi-Fi as the wireless internet is known, allows connecting to a network without being limited to a certain location. Wi-Fi is available in public locations, such as libraries, cafes and many hotels offer this service. Verizon and Sprint also offer wireless network as a long range service.

Of all the assorted internet Connection Set Ups, the wireless option is by far the easiest to set-up. Even people who are not technology "nerds" can understand these technologies. It is as easy as going to the computer’s Start menu and click on the Control Panel. This is where the Network and Internet connections options are found. All of the different internet connections available can be managed from here. Next step is to go to network and sharing center, then make sure that you select network option. This allows you to manage internet connections from all wireless sources.

Now that you are in the proper menu, you will see the "Show All" option, click on it and then hit the refresh button. The active network connection that you want to log on to is located here. Choose the option that allows you to connect automatically if you plan on regularly connecting to this network. By checking this option, your computer will be able to find different internet connections and the proper one.

Troubleshooting will be required if you are unable to locate a network. You will first need to find the connect to a network window, next click on network or Set Up a connection. Then click on manually connect to a wireless network, press next. At this time you are require to enter the security features and the network’s name.

Problems with Different Internet Connections

Remember if you experience any problems logging in to your wireless internet connection, contacting the service provider is strongly recommended. They will guide you step by step and solve your problem to accessing your internet connection. Overall the wireless option is possibly the best choice of all of the different kinds of internet connections.

Backyard Foundry Information

Home Foundry

The most noticeable item in any backyard foundry is the furnace. This is no surprise really, because without the furnace the entire DIY Metal Casting operation would be nonexistent. The furnace can take really any size and form depending upon the need and budget of the metal caster. What really makes home Metal Casting furnaces really unique is how many of them come into creation.

Sure there are plenty of companies that will gladly sell furnaces for the hobby metal caster and while this can be a viable solution to your furnace needs many metal casters prefer another method.

Making your own furnace is not as far fetched as it may seem and if you already a Do It Yourselfer, chances are you will have the needed skills and tools in your workshop or garage already. There are a variety of reasons why people make their own furnaces. The most common reason is fulfilling a need.

Its common in places that metal workers will need a part created that they need for a design that they can't find a local foundry to make it for them or the price is outrageously high. Not to mention the fact that the traditional methods of Metal Casting is quickly becoming forgotten as the industry turns to electric furnaces. So many hobbyists find that constructing their own furnace is an absolute necessity and a great way to preserve a piece of craftsman history. The artisans who use metal casting to create sculptures and other pieces find that making their own furnace grants them a greater amount of control over the entire process. This is actually how many people get into metal casting to begin with.

As you can imagine, the first furnace that you will create will be simple and small but perfect for getting started. There is really no need to run before you can walk when it comes to something that will be using intense heat and melting iron which can be rather dangerous.

A lot of DIY furnaces are made of things that are right around our shops such as coffee cans and even trash cans. While there are a few components that really should be bought like the retractor to line the furnace walls which should be resistant to high temperature for a prolonged period of time along with special connectors and regulators, most of the furnace can be created in your own home. You should be able to find most of the components that you can not make at hardware stores or plumbing supply stores for relatively cheap.

Not only do you need to get everything you need to make the furnace, you can't forget the crucible that holds the metal when its melting and all of the tools that you need to handle the crucible. While you are at it you might as well buy all the safety equipment like gloves, protective eye wear, and leather shoes. There is other safety equipment that you will need depending on the type of work and the type of furnace you are going to make.

Most likely, your first furnace is going to be a simple cupola variation. The cupola furnace which is going to resemble a smoke stack is a simple design and is relatively easy to make for anyone with mild craft skill. This type of furnace will not require a crucible since you will be able to pour the molten metal from the furnace itself into a ladle that can then be poured into the mold.

DIY casting furnaces are a great way to connect yourself with your metal casting work giving you more control. While building the furnace can be complicated at first, once you delve into it you will find the experience enjoyable and fascinating.

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Basics of Die Casting and Diecasting Machines including Low Pressure Die Casting

Die Casting

Metal Casters have the luxury of choosing between several casting methods to accomplish their goals. Often times the metal caster chooses one method and sticks with it for several years until need directs him to another. Of course, there are those adventurous few who like to sample each casting method to find the best fit. A lot of times sand casting will be the most popular but you may want to stop and think about Lost Foam Casting or Investment Casting?

What about Die Casting ?

Die casting is used by industrial foundries and manufacturers to create practically anything and everything, such as die cast cars. Many small foundries, like the one in your garage, backyard, of workshop may find that die casting is really just not economical. But who said that having fun and trying new things was ever economical? The process of Die Casting involves a simple concept. The molten metal is injected with high pressure into the mold or mold cavities. The mold used in die casting can have several small civilities of either the same pattern or different pattern.

The name Metal Casting comes from the molds which are called dies. These molds are reusable and are often made from steel but other alloys can be used as long as they can withstand high pressure. The reason dies must be created from metal and not from sand or other material is due to the high amount of pressure used to get the molten metal into the mold. If sand molds were used in a Die casting procedure then the mold would crumble. There are plenty of advantages of using dies in a casting procedure which makes this method desirable for anyone wishing to create a high volume of similar castings.

Metal Casting is perfect for anyone that needs to make a lot of the same thing without any quality or pattern deviation. This is especially helpful in certain industries where quantity and quality count. Many hobbyists may have no use for die casting on a practical basis but will often try at least one Die casting for the sake of trying.

There are two types of machines used in the Die Cast procedure. These machines are essentially the same and are called the Hot-chamber and the Cold-chamber.

The Hot-chamber machine melts the alloy and feeds it into a section of the machine referred to as the gooseneck. A piston then forces the alloy into the mold. A separate furnace is not needed but the draw back of this is that metals with higher melting points can not be used.

The Cold-chamber is used for metals that can not be used by the Hot-chamber such as aluminum and copper. A separate furnace is needed to melt the alloy which is then poured into the injection cylinder and then shot into the mold.

There are a number of good things about die casting and those include the fact that you get smooth casting surfaces and the fact that you get a quick production of casts. While the initial cost of Die Casting exceeds several of the other casting procedures, those that need a high number of casts in the shortest amount of time possibly will benefit greatly from the investment.

If you think about it, Die casting and commercial goods to hand in hand because you can create a high volume of product with Die Casting. The molds, or dies, used vary in life cycle depending upon the material used to create the die. The die can have one cavity or several cavities depending upon the need.

Everyone should try die casting at least once if they can afford the initial cost. Besides, who knows when you'll need a small battalion of metal soldiers which can be made quickly and easily with die casting.

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CNC and CAD design

CAD Software

Right now we are going to discuss the initial element of computer numerical control.  That element is CNC Design .  Before you begin a CNC project, you need to have a plan of action.  The design is like a blueprint, you know what you are going to build before you ever build it.

Here are some important elements of design that need to be answered:
What size will it be?
What material will it be made of?
Who is the customer?
What will it be used for?

Your design can be anything.It could be a part used in industry or a work of art.You are only limited by your creative imagination.  Many people use CNC every day to manufacture parts.  Many hobbyists use CNC every day to create art and various home projects.

Before I design I like to sketch a few ideas out on paper.  I like to toy with different ideas to spark my creativity.This is the same as brainstorming.  When I really get my juices flowing, that is when my best designs rise to the top.  I generally carry around a notebook with me to note designs that I think of during the day.
After I have a few likely suspects, I try to look through each of the ideas to see if I can merge them somehow.  Some designs have different parts or components to them.  Some of these components are better than others.  Can I take some of these parts and add them to another design to make it better?Just like editing your writing, looking over your designs and checking them is a very important step in the process.

When you are designing, you are really trying to describe what you are going to build.  The more accurately you can do that, the better the whole process will go.  Just like a house, if you have a strong foundation, you will have a good house.  If you have a solid design, the rest of the process is easy.

Computer aided design
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design or Drafting.Computer aided design was developed in the early 60s.  Today it is the premier way to design, develop and optimized products.  People use Computer aided design every day to design virtually every product you see.  Generally, designers use Computer aided design to design a product, and then produce prints to manufacture that product.  A print is a picture of a part or assembly that is very exact.  It includes the dimensions and a parts list used to manufacture a product.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) software packages can generally be broken into two groups.  The groups are 2-D drafting packages or 3-D drafting packages.Most every software manufacturing package is moving to 3-D design.Three dimensional design is the next generation of Computer aided design.  Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can make a model of their product.  They can then look over this model for any apparent defects before it is ever made.

3-D Design
Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can cut down on the number of manufacturing mistakes that occur due to fit up and tolerance issues.  This translates into a more efficient operation with less waste for the manufacturer.

Here are some examples of 3-D drafting/design software:
Inventor
TopSolid
SolidWorks
Alibre Design
Rhino3D

2-D Design
2-D design can be very efficient if you need to make a quick part that is not very complex.You can quickly sketch out an outline of an object and convert it over to a computer aided manufacturing toolpath.  This is an operation where 2-D will really shine.

Here are some examples of 2-D drafting/design software:
AutoCAD
MicroStation

At some point you will need to use Computer aided design.  You will need to take your design and translated it into a print.  The best way to do that is to use Computer aided design.  You will need to purchase a CAD program of some sort if you are serious about CNC.  Many CAD programs have a free or trial period that you can use to evaluate the program.  My suggestion is to try a few and then select one that fits the way you design.

CNC info community site:
If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com
Join the CNC community today and get two free e-books. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

CNC Design

CAD

First we are going to talk about the initial element of CNC.  That element is CNC and CAD Process Designing .  Before you begin a CNC project, you need to have a plan of action.  The design is like a blueprint, you know what you are going to build before you ever build it.

Here are some important elements of design that need to be answered:
What size will it be?
What material will it be made of?
Who is the customer?
What will it be used for?

Your design can be anything.  It could be an industrial part or a work of art.  This is only really limited by your imagination.  Many people use CNC every day to manufacture parts.  Many hobbyists use CNC every day to create art and various home projects.

Before I design I like to sketch a few ideas out on paper.  I like to toy with different ideas to spark my creativity.   This is the equivalent of brainstorming.  When I really get my juices flowing, that is when my best designs rise to the top.  I generally carry around a notebook with me to note designs that I think of during the day.
After I have a few likely suspects, I try to look through each of the ideas to see if I can merge them somehow.  Some designs have different parts or components to them.  Some of these components are better than others.  Can I take some of these parts and add them to another design to make it better?  Just like writing, editing your designs is a critical step in the process.

When you are designing, you are really trying to describe what you are going to build.  The more accurately you can do that, the better the whole process will go.  Just like a house, if you have a strong foundation, you will have a good house.  If you have a solid design, the rest of the process is easy.

CAD
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design or Drafting.  CAD was developed in the early 60s.  Today it is the premier way to design, develop and optimized products.  People use CAD every day to design virtually every product you see.  Generally, designers use CAD to design a product, and then produce prints to manufacture that product.  A print is a picture of a part or assembly that is very exact.  It includes the dimensions and a parts list used to manufacture a product.

CAD software packages can generally be broken into two groups.  The groups are 2-D drafting packages or 3-D drafting packages.  Most all software packages are moving to 3-D design.  3-D design is really the next generation of CAD.  Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can make a model of their product.  They can then look over this model for any apparent defects before it is ever made.

3-D Design
Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can cut down on the number of manufacturing mistakes that occur due to fit up and tolerance issues.  This translates into a more efficient operation with less waste for the manufacturer.

Here are some examples of 3-D drafting/design software:
Inventor
TopSolid
SolidWorks
Alibre Design
Rhino3D

2-D Design
2-D design can be very efficient if you need to make a quick part that is not very complex.  You could quickly sketch out a silhouette of an object and convert it into a CAM tool path.  This is an operation where 2-D will really shine.

Here are some examples of 2-D drafting/design software:
AutoCAD
MicroStation

At some point you will need to use CAD.  You will need to take your design and translated it into a print.  The best way to do that is to use CAD.  You will need to purchase a CAD program of some sort if you are serious about CNC.  Many CAD programs have a free or trial period that you can use to evaluate the program.  My suggestion is to try a few and then select one that fits the way you design.

CNC Information Free Community Site:
If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com
You can join for Free and you get two free CNC ebooks. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

Check out how to design for CNC

CNC

Introduction to Design
Designing for CNC is arguably the most important step to the CAD Design Process.Why is that you might ask?  Because it is at the beginning.  This is the planning stage of the process.  If you come up with a bad design, all of your work after this point is lost.  I also think of designing as the planning process.  You need an inventory of what you have to work with before you begin.

Every thing needs some planning to start with.  Whether it is a family vacation or buying a home.  CNCis no different.  You need to think about what you want to accomplish before you ever invest any time or money.  Now I am not saying you need to have a perfect plan.  What I am saying is that you need to at least have a plan.  Believe me I have had many plans and virtually none of them ended up perfect.  What it did do was give me a guide to follow.  A roadmap of sorts.

You also need to know your limitations.  For example, don’t go designing a metal sign if you have a CNC Wood Router and nothing else.  Or, you want to make a 2” thick wood routed sign, but your CNC Wood Router only has 1” clearance.  You will need to know you own personal capabilities and your shop’s capabilities.  Once you know that, you can improve your situation either through training or purchasing other tools.

Where do good design ideas come from?
First, look around.  Take an interest in your environment and all the various objects around you.  Look at how things are built.  Generally, I don’t look at the overall design.  I try to figure out how they build a specific part or area of the design.  For example a unique latching mechanism.

A lot in getting a good design to come out is experience.  Experience comes from failure as many people have said.  The bottom line is you need to try stuff and experiment with ideas.  Pick the ones that are useful and go with them.  Leave the failures on the scrap pile and move on.  Never marry yourself to an idea as being perfect.Pretty much everything can be improved in some way.

Know what you want to as an end result before you ever build
When designing it is very important that you know what you want to build.  You don’t need to know every detail, but it helps if you have a general idea.  For example, the item may need to fit inside a certain dimension.  This dimension could be the size of the box used for shipping the item to the customer.  This is a requirement of your design.  Requirements can either be self-imposed or put upon you by someone else.

Another example may be building a piece of art.  You may want to make the piece out of Stainless Steel because it would reflect the sun and hold up in the environment.  Then you find out Stainless Steel is too expensive and that you don’t have the equipment to work with it.  Stainless usually maxes out your equipment.

You need to have a project plan, or at least a pretty good idea of one.  You will need to take inventory of your capabilities and match your design to them.  You will also need to get all requirements for the project before you ever begin.  If you do that, you will not waste extra time redesigning again and again.

What are the limits?
Really, you are the limit.  You brain and its thinking are the limit.  If you can think of it, someone, somewhere can probably build it.  The more you expose your brain to different things and ideas, the more connections it will draw.  This is where your creativity will come from.  You need to feed your brain interesting information and it will spit back some interesting designs.

Part vs. Art
In designing for computer numerical control, there are really two different paths to follow.  Art or Part.  By art, I mean a design that may have extra embellishments, curves, features, text, etc.  By part, I mean a square with a hole in it.  Or a triangular gusset.Art is generally a little more flowing or of an image of something.  It could also be a sculpture for example.

When you are designing art, you normally keep a sketchbook with your ideas.  You note them.  They don’t have to be perfect, just roughed out.  Sometimes I cut things out I find interesting and put them in my sketch book.  Things like interesting shapes, interesting images or even a unique way to bolt things together.

When you are designing parts, you are dealing with deadlines and customer requirements.  There are no extra things to personalize or stylize the part.  The part is utilitarian and gets the job done.  This is the majority of what CNC is used for.  This is what various industries use CNC for.

Designing on Paper
Most people scratch out their initial ideas on paper to rough them out.  I like to draw things out in a print, drafting or blueprint format.  This style uses multiple looks and multiple angled drawings to convey what you mean to someone else.  I picked up this style of drawing while working in a manufacturing environment.  Some wood workers will also recognize this style.  Think of a time when you bought “The Plans” to building a birdhouse.

Designing with a Computer
This is what I use next.  Once I have something roughed out, I like to translate it into a computer.  Things are more exact.  You get a feel of the size or how parts fit together.  You also get the benefit of saving your work and coming back to it later.  You can even share your files with others when working on a project.

My Design Computer Setup
A few people have asked me about my design setup at home.  Here is what I like to use.  First a powerful computer with plenty of processing power.  Make sure to get as much processing power, RAM and a big hard drive.Don't skimp out here.CNC software will use a lot of system resources and you will save plenty of time by having a computer that can handle that extra load.

Next, buy a dual monitor setup.  You will need a graphics card with a dual output head and two monitors to output to.Most users can install this by themselves.  Dual monitors keep you focused.  I really like being able to keep my computer screen clean of various design palates that seem to clutter it up.  A dual monitor is perfect for this.

CNC Information Free Community Site:

If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com You can join for Free and you get two free CNC ebooks. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

Most Popular Spyware Threat

Out of all the viruses and spyware on the market one takes the cake.  It’s Called Virtumonde.  This threat is not only hard to remove but can wreak havoc on your computer.  Check out this Virtumonde site for detailed removal information on this threat.

What does Virtumonde do?

The main purpose of Virtumonde is to show pop-ups and to re-direct your browser.  Let’s say you open your browser.  For a second or two it will start to load your home page the re-direct to another site.  If you were to Google and do a search, then click on one of the search results you can also find your self re-directed.

What to do when infected

You have many options if you are already infected.  One of the simplest one’s is to have an expert repair this for you.  I know your thinking it will cost too much but we stumbled across this computer repair site that does a great job at fully removing all threats.  The cost is 89 bucks but when you think about it that is a fraction of what it costs to call someone over to the house or even take you computer to a shop. The repair is done right online via remote screen sharing software.

Software to Remove Virtumonde

There is software out there that can remove Virtumonde as well.  Check out the list we found at Virtumonde removal software.  This gives you an idea of what will work to remove Virtumonde yourself.

If you want to remove this virus for free then it will take time.  The first mentioned site has free guides you can follow to help remove this threat.  Your trade off is time.  After battling this ourselves for a few hours we just ended up having the online computer repair site remove this for us.  It was well worth the cost and all in all I am glad we went this route.

Metal Casting Crucible Information

Metal Casting

From the earliest attempts to make lead into gold and to the more modern use of making those empty soda cans into a replacement part for that model plane, crucibles have been an absolute necessity in Metal Casting .

Crucibles are placed inside of the furnace where the metal is placed and then melted. The crucible then collects the melted alloy which will then be poured into the model. Since the crucible will be holding metals melted at extremely high temperatures the crucible will need to be created from very strong material. The durability of the crucible will add a certain aspect of safety to the Metal Casting process. Using a crucible that is low in quality can result in shattering, which, let's face it, is never ever a good thing.

Any crucible at any given moment can shatter or fail which is why using appropriate safety gear at all times is so important. In order to handle the crucible which will be red hot you will need to wear boots, jeans, and gloves.The tools that you will use to help you lift the crucible and then pour the molten metal from the crucible are different depending on the style of crucible. Those that make their own crucible will be able to create them in an identical manner so the same tools can be used. The idea of these tools is to make sure that the crucible can be safely and securely lifted and poured. Since really in our minds, we don't have any idea how hot the crucible actually is, it needs to be said that you never directly touch a hot crucible even with gloves.

For those that either can not or will not make a home made crucible can buy a crucible and tools from any of the online stores. A common material for crucibles is graphite as it can withstand the molten metal. Many who cast metal will prefer using graphite crucibles as it can prevent impurities from being introduced into the gold or other precious metal being used.  Another option is the Silicon Carbide crucible.

Silicon Carbide is a great though expensive alternative to the graphite crucible.  A crucible made from Silicon Carbide can handle rougher treatment then graphite so if you are not particularly gentle with your toys then this is a terrific option.

Yet another option available to the home foundry is creating your very own crucible. Many don't really recommend this since commercially created crucible tend to be more durable and will instill a bit more confidence in the casters. It is, however, possible to create a crucible as many of us will at one time or another.

If you plan on creating your own crucible then keep this in mind. There are a few areas of Metal Casting where you should not cut corners, these definitely include crucibles. The crucibles job is the transportation of incredibly hot molten metal which can easily exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and is really the only thing between you and this metal. Crucibles start to go up in price depending on the quality of what its made out of and also depending on the melting point at which the crucible must be able to withstand. Spend that money and do so gladly since it is just a small price to pay for your safety.

Crucibles should only be used to melt one kind of metal. If you have always melted aluminum but decide to try melting brass then you will need a new crucible. This is done for safety reasons. Remember, a crucible is not meant to last forever. Always check your crucible before use to make sure there are not cracks or imperfections if there are then do not use that crucible.

Crucibles come in a variety of sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. It all depends on the type of metal to be used and the size of the job. Never skimp on the price of this tool and always follow safety guidelines and use common sense when dealing with a hot crucible.

 
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Metal Casting Molds

Metal Casting

Casting molds are an essential part of the metal casting process as it will be used to shape the final result. Nearly all metal casting methods will use some type of mold. The standard mold will consist of a cope and drag that when together is called a flask. The mold itself can be constructed of several materials depending upon the DIY Casting method.

Most molds will be made from latex, fiberglass, sand, and even metal. Sand molds are some of the most popular molds because Sand Casting is a favorite of DIY Home Foundries. In Permanent Mold Casting, the mold is created from metal. Most molds can be used over and over again, but not all of them. Certainly the metal molds can be used multiple times without loosing any quality from the finished product. However, molds created using sand or other materials will not have a very long shelf life. This is not generally seen as a huge problem just a minor annoyance since mold making is relatively cheap and easy.

No matter what material the mold is made from, the basic construction is pretty much the same. The molding box is called the flask which has a cope, the top, and drag, the bottom.  You will then fill the flask with the molding material and then place the original into the mold. So, if you want to cast a tiny metal elephant, you will place an original of the elephant usually made from clay, wax, wood, or even metal into the drag of the flask. If this is done in sand you will ram the flask until the sand is packed tightly around the original. The top of the flask, the cope is then placed on and more molding material poured in. The entire flask is then rammed or vibrated making sure everything is packed in nice and tight.

The next steps after the mold is completly dry, the flask can then be removed and the mold split so we can see the original item. Now, if you want to make sure that there are some empty spaces in the cast to be finished then you will place cores into the mold. The cores are made of sand or wax.

The type of mold used depends heavily on the type of DIY Casting , alloy, and complexity of the pattern to be cast. Metal molds have little use in small foundries unless you plan on casting a lot of tiny metal elephants.

In some cases, pre-made molds can be found in hobby shops or through company casting companies. Usually, pre-made molds are used in miniature castings. Many individual metal casters prefer to make their own molds since it is inexpensive and allows them greater control over the finished casting.

Metal Casting involves several sets of skills and mold making is one of these skills. One of the most important parts of the casting process is making the mold and this is a skill that all metal casters must learn. Not only are molds used in metal casting but in other casting types as well. Resin casting and other plastic casting requires a mold as well. What the flask is made out of can be just about anything that you can imagine including wood or metal. What you are really looking for is something that can hold the mold material until it dries and if the fllask can do this, then it can be used.

Every metal caster should learn how to make a mold instead of relying on others. It's not only about independence but about saving money as well. Making your own mold is just cheaper.

 
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Foundry Supply Hobby Info, Foundry Supplies, and Casting Supply Info

Metal Casting

You can get metal casting supplies just like different brands of clothing, very inexpensive and very very expensive. Home foundries tend to use supplies that are not too costly or that can be found close at hand. After all, home metal casting is usually a hobby and many get into this hobby since they need a cheaper source of parts and pieces that are either far too expensive or just impossible to find. This reason is actually what draws many people to metal casting in the first place. Given this, metal casting supplies used in smaller backyard foundries are generally cheap and made of items that are available in the garage or can be found at home improvement stores. There are several online resources and stores that offer supplies specially made for metal casting and if you have the money and are unable to create your own, it is encouraged that you purchase already made supplies.

The Metal Casting supplies you will need ultimately depend upon the type of work you plan to do. If you plan to use lost foam casting you will not need any wax and in that same thought you won't need any foam if you are going to use lost wax casting. The furnace type is also a consideration. Cupola furnaces do not use crucibles. A crucible is where you place the metal which will then pool and collect inside. So it is important to decide what kind of casting process and what kind of furnace that will be used before you rush out to buy supplies.

As for the supplies this will include the fuel source. Fuels sources can range from wood to propane. Metals with a higher melting point will need propane while wood can be used to melt pewter and possibly aluminum. Most home foundries will use propane since it produces a high temperature and is easily available. 

Many of the DIY Casting processes use sand as a way to create molds and help secure those molds during the pouring. The type of sand used does not have to necessarily be specially formulated. Sand has been used in casting since ancient times so it only makes sense that most sand types can be used. Many hobbyists will even use playground sand to meet their needs. Now, there is a special type of sand used in casting called green sand. Green sand packs well and is able to hold its shape far better then common sand. For processes like lost wax you will need to find a healthy supply of wax since many of the steps involve the creation of wax models and molds. The good thing about this process is that the wax can be reused time and time again. Supplies for lost foam can be found in home improvement stores since foam insulation is suitable to use. You will not be able to reuse the foam but luckily, the foam is cheap.

Perhaps the most important casting supply is the metal itself. The metal used in Metal Casting varies due to need. Aluminum is a common alloy used in casting for a number of reasons, chief among them is availability. Aluminum soda cans are crushed and melted and proves to a good source of the metal. Many casters will find scrap metal in junk yards which tend to be a good source for brass, bronze, and iron. There are places to buy metals in ingots if you want a purer metal to work with.

Metal casting supplies often dictate what the caster can and can not do. Always try to remember or write down these things because you may need to make some adjustments on your next project or plan.

 
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American Casting Association Information

Casting

Metal Casting has endured through the ages since the time of Ancient Egypt, possibly longer. Since then small foundries have developed to meet the needs of the individual caster. There are several reasons that people choose to create their own home grown foundries. A top reason is the need to create parts and pieces that are no longer available on the market or that are just too expensive to purchase. Those who get into Casting for this reason are usually interested in restoration projects, home improvement projects, or hobby building like model planes and trains. Artists are the other group that see metal casting as a cheap and easy way to create sculptures from small to large. Jewelers even use metal casting to create complex pieces that would just otherwise be impossible to create.

Given the wide scope of metal casting there are several methods and techniques that have developed. For those new to metal casting or for those wanting to try some of these other methods may find it difficult to find information on your own. Luckily, there are several metal casting associations and groups that are more then willing to share information and exchange ideas, projects, and pictures of the goings on in the their home foundries.

On the internet, Metal Casting associations and groups are either message boards full of casters where they can ask questions, post ideas, and pictures or are websites that are maintained by a set group of people offering general information and educational resources.

Both of these types of websites are incredibly helpful to metal casters who can benefit from the educational purposes of some of the sites tempered with the real life applications and experiences of the message boards.

There will be more industrial foundry and metal casting information than sites directed at the small home foundries. Industrial metal casting sites can be wonderful sources of information so do not skip by these. Use both small metal casting sites and industrial sites to your advantage.

Yahoo Groups usually has some of the most popular group sites for hobbyist of all kinds and the Casting Hobby Group is no exception. This casting group was developed and maintained by experienced metal casters and enjoys a high amount of activity. You will find lots of quick information here as well as tons of idea's, photo's and possible some plans on building various furnace types.

The Casting Hobby Group can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/castinghobby/

The Association of Backyard Metal Casters is located at http://www.abymc.com/.  This online metal casting association has an extensive membership complete with informative articles, forums, and even live chat. Of course, pictures are posted on the site to give visitors ideas about what other furnaces and foundries look like. Don't worry if you're foundry isn't pretty, there actually doesn't seem to be very many of them that are.

Now, The American Foundry Society is mainly for the industrial metal casters and companies but they also promote information and education to consumers. The information provided on the site is great for anyone wishing to follow advancements in metal casting technology. There is even an online store.

http://www.afsinc.org/ is the online home for the American Foundry Society.

For the most part metal casting associations and groups exist on the local level more than a unifying force on the web. What does exist on the web is a great source of information, ideas, and insight. It is a great idea to join any of the groups you can in order to share and find knowledge.
 
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Bronze Casting Described

Metal Casting

Bronze Casting has been practiced for centuries. Many civilizations have used this alloy for weapons, sculptures, and general pieces of hardware. The popular way to cast bronze is the Lost Wax Casting process which was first used sometime in the 3000 BC near ancient Sumeria. The Lost Wax process is still used to this day and its modern equivalent Investment Casting is very popular with jewelry makers.

Bronze is the preferred alloy for metal working artists as it's relatively easy to work with and resistant to corrosion. The properties of bronze tend to be stronger than most other alloys, except of course for steel, and lends itself easily to the molding and casting process. Many small foundries like the kind that can be found in a backyard or workshop find that bronze is a great material to work with and with a melting point of 1,700 Fahrenheit or about 925 Celsius many homemade furnaces are able to melt down the bronze quickly and efficiently.

Many modern day artists create their own furnaces with the metal casting in mind. These metal casters employ the Lost Wax Casting method which proves to be the best when dealing with the alloy. The Lost Wax Casting is making an original of the sculpture from wax and then creating a mold using this original. Often times the original is lost during the mold making process so keep that in mind if you want to hang on to the original for whatever reason. Molten wax is poured into the mold which is chased or smoothed of imperfections. During this point, any other pieces are attached and small wax tubes are placed into the piece. These tubes will be how the molten bronze is going to travel into the piece replacing wax with the alloy.  When this is complete the artist will create a ceramic shell around the wax model. The real benefit of the shell is that it will help form the melted bronze which will in turn help to melt the wax. When the molten bronze is poured the bronze takes place of the wax. Afterwards, the artist will crack the shell and reveal the bronze piece. If you are looking for a method that transfers every single detail from the wax onto the bronze, this method is going to give you more detail than any other.

Some artists really enjoy addint Patina to the sculpture but its really to each his own. The Patina is a chemical that when applied to bronze creates colors and makes the bronze take an aged look. The Patrina compounds used depends on the type of color desired. Ferric Nitrate will make the bronze take on a red or brown color while Sulphurated Potash will make black and Cupric Nitrate will create blue and green. Modern day artists choose to go with a very high polished bronze instead of using these compounds. This step depends solely on the artist’s taste and the look they are going for.

Metal Casting will remain a popular medium until another alloy is developed that exhibits properties that are easier to manage and are more resistant to corrosion. Casting the alloy is easily done so metal casters that want to experiment are encouraged to do so. Making anything from small figurines, large sculptures, and even cabinet handles can be accomplished with the use of bronze. The only limitations in Bronze Casting are with the caster himself.
 
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Brass Casting TIps

Casting

Brass is a great metal to cast with as it can provide some really great looking results.  Many believe that brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, has been around since our prehistoric ancestors. Penny's are made of brass, but they aren't the only things that brass makes up today as the majority of the musical instruments you see are made of brass.

The low melting point makes brass a really great material for metal casting since even the smaller home grown furnaces can be used. By adding and subtracting alloys from bronze one can successfully make hard or soft bronzes. Aluminum and tin are sometimes added to bronze to create a layer that is not corrosive and very durable. Whats nice about DIY Brass Home Foundries is that you can use the scrap you have lying around and it will be perfectly acceptable. Locating scrap pieces of brass should be sufficient enough for whatever project you have in mind. Due to brass' gleam and yellow shine, many artists will use the alloy for sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items. Other metal casters may choose to use brass for general hardware needs or vintage car restoration, and of course, whatever else they may choose.

Generally there are three casting methods that prove to be suitable for Metal Casting . Metal casters may choose to experiment with different methods and should not allow themselves to be limited.

Metal Casting casting is usually associated with bronze casting but can also be used for brass and for really any other metal. By using a wax model and covering it with a ceramic shell, artisans are able to inject the molten alloy which replaces the wax. When you start to chip away the shell, you will see that the brass piece is revealed. Lost wax casting is used when a high attention to detail is needed. Artists or metal casters looking to create decorative brass pieces or sculptures will find that the lost wax casting technique will meet their needs far better than other techniques and methods.

Die casting is yet another method used for Metal Casting . Die casting is normally used in commercial foundries since the initial start up cost is undesirable for the smaller home foundries. By using a reusable mold created from steel, the caster will be able to create scores of identical products. Die casting with brass should be used if the caster or artists is planning to make multiples of one product and can find a viable market for those pieces.

Sand Casting is not only one of the oldest types of casting, but it is also extremely popular in the smaller foundry circuit. The brass is poured into sand molds and can create a unique look which may be preferred for the artisans. Sand casting tends to be the most economically sensible for small foundries and if the casting does not have to be incredibly attractive then this method is preferable for many.

Whichever casting method is used for casting the brass really depends on the individual. Many find that casting brass to be fun and easy since it does melt rather easily. Brass casting is one of the best alloys to start casting with if you have little to no budget as it does not require a large furnace for this alloy to melt. Many have even been able to melt brass in small ceramic pots using charcoal!

Some ideas of what to make with brass include candle holders, plumbing fixtures, and even musical instruments
 
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