What Is Casting Plaster Used For?

 

What is Casting Plaster?

Plaster mold casting - also known as plaster casting - uses a mixture of gypsum, strengthening compounds, and water to create a mold. The pattern of the plaster is made out of metal and sometimes rubber. It is usually coated with an anti-adhesive compound to prevent it from becoming stuck against the mold. 



The Molds Are Inexpensive

These molds are inexpensive, quick to create, easily reusable, and more accurate than steel molds. During casting plaster, the parting line is determined, then, it’s a simple two-part or complex three-part process to complete. 

  1. The plaster is mixed and the pattern is then sprayed with an anti-adhesive. 

  2. Then the plaster gets poured into the pattern and is shaken so that the plaster fills the pattern completely. 

  3. Once the mold is dry, it is then assembled, preheated, and molten metal is poured into it.

  4. After that, the metal hardens, the plaster is broken from the cast part. 

Typically, it goes through finishing processes such as cleaning, grinding, heat treating, and blasting. 

What is Casting Plaster Used For?

There are many different uses for plaster casting. This type of casting produces a very smooth surface finish, allowing for the casting of complex shapes with thin walls. This allows you to form large parts with less expense than other processes such as investment casting, which has a higher degree of dimensional accuracy than that of sand casting. 

Cons For Using Plaster

One of the few cons about plaster casting is that it can only be used with lower melting temperature non-ferrous materials such as aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and copper alloys. Aluminum, which is the most common plaster cast material, has a maximum working temperature of 2,200 °F. If you’re working with a metal that needs to be heated at a higher temperature, you can not use casting plaster. 

What is the Difference Between Casting Plaster and Plaster of Paris

Plaster of Paris is one of the most recognized names for casting plaster. The two terms can be used interchangeably. Some of the disadvantages of plaster of Paris include:

  • It is not as effective in moist situations

  • It can not be mixed with cement

  • Plaster of Paris is expensive compared to Gypsum

It’s important to know the differences so you can choose the right thing for your project. 

With this information you should be able to choose a casting plaster that is right for you. 

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