See which casting method and equipment best suits your business and in-house production needs.
As the demand for custom jewelry grows, you might be wondering about the benefits of bringing manufacturing in-house. While Stuller is dedicated to being your complete resource for design and manufacturing, we support anyone’s journey. Not only does in-house casting allow for greater control over your production process, but it also reduces lead times and costs and enhances the ability to offer truly unique pieces to clients within your preferred timeframe. Depending on the size and capacity of your business, it might be tough to know which casting method is right for you.
In today’s “This or That”, we’ll guide you through getting started with casting processes and equipment that suit your business, based on your workspace, workflow, and skill level. Let’s explore each method alongside our selection of equipment and supplies that give you everything you need for a successful cast.
What is Casting?
Casting is a manufacturing process where molten metal, usually starting from grain, is poured into a mold to create a final piece. This mold can be made from a wax model or a 3D-printed prototype, giving any jeweler a solution for their preferred craft.
Developed over 5,000 years ago, today's casting processes are known to blend traditional techniques with modern technology, making it easier for jewelers to produce durable, custom designs efficiently. While many jewelers are likely to be more familiar with the basics of torch casting, advancements have led to faster and more precise methods for different production volumes from boutique sizes to industrial workshops.
Today, we’re covering two of the most common casting methods: centrifugal and vacuum. Let's explore two main casting processes and the equipment required for each.
Casting Methods and Solutions
Centrifugal Casting
Centrifugal casting, also known as spin casting, involves pouring molten metal into a rapidly spinning mold. Like every casting method, metal is first melted in a crucible, then casting equipment will use centrifugal force to push the metal into every crevice of the mold, resulting in detailed pieces.
Features and Benefits
Precision: Centrifugal force ensures that the molten metal reaches even the finest details of your mold.
Efficiency: With spin casting, you get a quick filling of the mold which reduces the chances of air bubbles or defects, resulting in a faster production process.
Versatility: Spin casting is suitable for a variety of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and even some non-precious metals, depending on your preferences or offering.
Scalability: With this method, you can produce both single pieces and small to medium-sized batches, making it a flexible choice for jewelry businesses that might want to consider different capacities or volumes based on certain styles.
Which Equipment Should You Use?
Small Workshops
UltraFlex EasyCast J Casting Machine
Standard Volume:
Orotig PT Cast Casting Machine (Specifically designed for Platinum casting)
Orotig Prometheus Inline Casting System
Arbe Centrifugal Casting Machine
Large/Industrial Workshops:
UltraFlex CS2 Digital Control Casting Machine
UltraFlex CS1 Digital Control Casting Machine
UltraFlex SuperCast Lite J4 Casting Machine
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting involves placing the mold in a vacuum chamber to remove air bubbles and ensure that the molten metal fills every detail of the mold. This method is particularly useful for high-quality, detailed pieces and typically gives you more control over your temperature and pressure from crucible to completed cast.
Features and Benefits
Detail and Quality: The vacuum environment eliminates air bubbles, ensuring that the final cast is smooth and free of defects.
Consistency: By controlling the environment and the flow of metal, vacuum casting ensures uniform quality across all pieces.
Flexibility: This method works well with a range of metals and mold materials, making it versatile for various types of jewelry.
Which Equipment Should You Use?
Small Workshops:
Pro-Craft Vacuum Cast Complete Outfit
Arbe Master Cast with Oil-Less Vacuum Pump
Medium/Large Workshops:
Arbe Super Vac Vacuum Casting Machine
Arbe Vacuum Investment Machine
Vacuum With Added Pressure
Vacuum casting with added pressure is just as effective as your standard vacuum casting method but ensures that the molten metal fills every detail of the mold with an enforced seal.
Features and Benefits
Enhanced Detail: The added pressure makes this method ideal for detailed and complex designs or molds.
Strength: You can get a denser and stronger cast, which is beneficial for pieces that might require durability.
Reduced Porosity: The pressure can help in reducing porosity in the final cast for higher quality and strength.
Your All-in-One Resource
Casting processes like centrifugal and vacuum casting are just two methods that have revolutionized custom jewelry making, offering precision, efficiency, and versatility to businesses that venture into in-house production.
Stuller provides a wide selection of casting equipment and supplies to meet the needs of any jewelry business from small workshops to large-scale operations. For more guidance on casting methods, equipment, or custom workshop solutions, explore Stuller’s complete selection or reach out to our Tools Tech Team at 1-800-877-7777, extension 4300.
As always, let us know if there are specific topics that you would like to learn more about, such as dos and don’ts of in-house manufacturing — we will be happy to provide those resources!