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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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casting 316 stainless
I'm new to this, so forgive me if this is a stupid question:
Can I cast 316 stainless steel using an oxy-acy torch? I'm making very small parts and am expecting to do some machining after casting. I was thinking of just heating up a small 1"x2"x1/4" peice and meting it, then pouring it into an open greensand indentaion of the shape I want. Is that possible - do I need to use any kind of flux? What sort of problems can I expect to have to deal with? Any suggestions appreciated. |
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wrote in message oups.com... I'm new to this, so forgive me if this is a stupid question: Can I cast 316 stainless steel using an oxy-acy torch? I'm making very small parts and am expecting to do some machining after casting. I was thinking of just heating up a small 1"x2"x1/4" peice and meting it, then pouring it into an open greensand indentaion of the shape I want. Is that possible - do I need to use any kind of flux? What sort of problems can I expect to have to deal with? Any suggestions appreciated. It's my opinion that you'll have no success at all. Melting stainless requires that you protect the material from oxidation, a tall order with any kind of open flame. Such materials are commonly melted with induction furnaces, often in either a vacuum or an inert atmosphere. Melting and casting any of the iron alloys with a torch is likely to be very difficult, at best. Harold |
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"habbi" wrote in message ... I wonder if a slow flow of argon over the work help at all. With Tim's idea (electric arc furnace) I can't help but think it would help. Melting with an arc is likely the only other way (than induction heating) one could expect reasonable results. I can't imagine pouring on enough argon if melting with a torch to make a difference. Melting by other methods tends to burn out the alloys such that you end up with something, but it isn't the same thing you started with. That's the beauty of induction melting. Not only does it not alter the heat, it also stirs it perfectly, so it's a nice, homogeneous blend. Arc would likely provide a reasonable stirring action, and would be far less destructive of the alloy, especially with an inert atmosphere. Harold |
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