The temperature for pouring should be between 1150 degrees centigrade to 1180.
Silicon Bronze Ingot for Bronze sculpture. (Ingot weights are plus or minus 2.5% as all ingots are different sizes) This is now the preferred bronze for sculpture due to it's easy flowing properties. Clean ingots will not require flux but when old pouring cups, and runners/risers are melted which may contain investment flux may be necessary.
It has a classic colour that can be enhance with various patination techniques.
96% Copper, 3% Silicon (balance of trace elements)
Small ingots 1kg or less for the smaller crucibles
ZL12 is a 12% Aluminium – Zinc alloy which conforms to EN 1774 1998. It has been developed for use as a general purpose foundry alloy. Its unique properties enable it to be cast using any of the conventional gravity casting processes. ZL12 is a strong, sound alloy capable of casting thin sections and intricate details. The economical ZL12 has low initial and conversions costs. It can be cold chamber pressure die cast using a similar process to that used for making Aluminium pressure castings
The casting properties of ZL12 enable it to compete favourably with other cast metals such as Iron, Brass, Bronze and Aluminium Alloys. ZL12 has excellent machining characteristics, good corrosion resistance and requires only the minimum of surface preparation for easy electroplating or painting. The original specification for this alloy was developed by the International Lead Zinc Research Organisation Inc. New York USA. ZL12 was known as Kayem 12 and ZA12 in the past. ZL12 is the EN 1774 equivalent of these alloys.
Advantages
- Economical alloy cost with clean low-cost melting & low metal loss
- Insensitive to different cooling rates allowing it to be cast by all gravity casting processes
- Excellent castability giving pressure tightness, thin sections, intricate detail.
- Low shrinkage & gas porosity, high sand reclamation.
- Existing pattern equipment and gravity dies can be used.
- Excellent machining properties.
- Excellent buffing and polishing characteristics.
- Easily electroplated, painted or lacquered.
- Good corrosion resistance
- Excellent tensile strength and hardness at ambient temperatures
- Non-sparking alloy suitable for hazardous environments
- Good bearing and wear properties for lightly loaded applications
Data Sheet: Zinc_Alloy_ZL12.pdf