Casting under pressure

Jens Nordlunde · 8th October 2006, 06:05 PM

I read in a newspaper, that The Danish Technical University (DTU) had developed a method to make brass/bronze (unfortunately I don’t remember whish it was) as hard as steel. They cast it under pressure, and the metal got harder and harder the more pressure they put on, but only to a certain point – they could not get it harder than steel. Is it at all possible that users of these metals could have know anything about this. I doubt it, but if yes, how did they make the pressure?

Jens

Tim Simmons · 8th October 2006, 06:45 PM

Yes. The mould is spun like in a sling shot. Today this can be done with a machine, centrifugal casting in some kind of spinner. This must of been a risky pass time. I do not know what size limits there must been. Hardness would also depend on the alloy.

B.I · 8th October 2006, 06:57 PM

hi jens,
tim is far more knowledgable about this than i, given his profession. but, i think modern bronze (ie the type bought in bulk from art suppliers) is made of an alloy that is much harder than 'old bronze'. i believe it is silica and i saw an artist try and file the bronze by hand and it was almost untouchable. i know i have filed down blade edges with much less effort. I have a feeling it could be even harder than steel.

Tim Simmons · 8th October 2006, 07:20 PM

Hand sling for casting. Some big chap might be able to swing quite large flasks.

Tim Simmons · 8th October 2006, 07:47 PM

Please forgive a little boasting. I will take them off latter but it is a subject dear to my heart.

Jens Nordlunde · 8th October 2006, 08:10 PM

Hi Tim,

No wrong with a little boasting, is the figure made in the way you describe?

You don’t answer my question, is it possible that they a century or two ago could/would know this technique??

I always thought that bronze swords were interesting, but that they would break easily – but would they?

8th October 2006, 06:05 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Casting under pressure I read in a newspaper, that The Danish Technical University (DTU) had developed a method to make brass/bronze (unfortunately I don’t remember whish it was) as hard as steel. They cast it under pressure, and the metal got harder and harder the more pressure they put on, but only to a certain point – they could not get it harder than steel. Is it at all possible that users of these metals could have know anything about this. I doubt it, but if yes, how did they make the pressure? Jens

8th October 2006, 07:20 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Hand sling for casting. Some big chap might be able to swing quite large flasks. Attached Images

8th October 2006, 07:47 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Wax carving under pressure Please forgive a little boasting. I will take them off latter but it is a subject dear to my heart.

8th October 2006, 06:45 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Yes. The mould is spun like in a sling shot. Today this can be done with a machine, centrifugal casting in some kind of spinner. This must of been a risky pass time. I do not know what size limits there must been. Hardness would also depend on the alloy.

8th October 2006, 06:57 PM	#3
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	hi jens, tim is far more knowledgable about this than i, given his profession. but, i think modern bronze (ie the type bought in bulk from art suppliers) is made of an alloy that is much harder than 'old bronze'. i believe it is silica and i saw an artist try and file the bronze by hand and it was almost untouchable. i know i have filed down blade edges with much less effort. I have a feeling it could be even harder than steel.

8th October 2006, 08:10 PM	#6
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Hi Tim, No wrong with a little boasting, is the figure made in the way you describe? You don’t answer my question, is it possible that they a century or two ago could/would know this technique?? I always thought that bronze swords were interesting, but that they would break easily – but would they?