Casting under pressure

Tim Simmons · 8th October 2006, 08:20 PM

The techniques are ancient. I believe the figure was gravity cast, just poured in. Silver 1991, i can do better know, 9-10 inches tall. I really could not say if whole swords were spun in the casting. The weight may not have been a problem but the size of flask for the big chap to spin round would limit things. one thing for sure you would be able to cast some nice dense axe heads and spear blades.

Rick · 8th October 2006, 10:28 PM

I'm willing to bet that there was a mechanical way to swing a pretty large mold way back then; if they could figure out how to build a catapult; the technology could be adapted for casting .

Battara · 8th October 2006, 10:29 PM

The use of pressure in casting is essential for proper casting and as has been mentioned, very ancient. However, the amount of pressure equalling what we can do today is in serious doubt. Not only is the capability of technology at the time an issue, but in come cases one would not want to have steel solid bronze. Not only would it be ridiculously heavy, but the ability to expand when firing off a cannon shot could be compromised. Also, in brass and bronze mounts, one would want the softness to be such that one could easily chase or stamp designs into it.

Jens Nordlunde · 9th October 2006, 05:43 PM

Thank you for your explanations, The way I understood the article was, that the bigger pressure the smaller ‘grains’, and the smaller ‘grains’ made the metal harder. If you tried this on steel, would it work the same way?

8th October 2006, 08:20 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	The techniques are ancient. I believe the figure was gravity cast, just poured in. Silver 1991, i can do better know, 9-10 inches tall. I really could not say if whole swords were spun in the casting. The weight may not have been a problem but the size of flask for the big chap to spin round would limit things. one thing for sure you would be able to cast some nice dense axe heads and spear blades.

8th October 2006, 10:28 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	I'm willing to bet that there was a mechanical way to swing a pretty large mold way back then; if they could figure out how to build a catapult; the technology could be adapted for casting .

8th October 2006, 10:29 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,346	The use of pressure in casting is essential for proper casting and as has been mentioned, very ancient. However, the amount of pressure equalling what we can do today is in serious doubt. Not only is the capability of technology at the time an issue, but in come cases one would not want to have steel solid bronze. Not only would it be ridiculously heavy, but the ability to expand when firing off a cannon shot could be compromised. Also, in brass and bronze mounts, one would want the softness to be such that one could easily chase or stamp designs into it.

9th October 2006, 05:43 PM	#4
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Thank you for your explanations, The way I understood the article was, that the bigger pressure the smaller ‘grains’, and the smaller ‘grains’ made the metal harder. If you tried this on steel, would it work the same way?