Lost wax casting
Lost wax casting at SMV Thailand
The lost wax casting is a jewelry manufacturing method that combines tradition and innovation.
This technique makes it possible to create unique, detailed pieces by transforming wax models into magnificent precious metal jewellery. Thanks to this process, we can create complex, personalised designs with great precision.
At SMV Thailand, we have been mastering this art for over 30 years, offering silver and gold-plated brass creations that meet the highest quality standards. Every stage, from the creation of the wax model to the finishing of the jewellery, is carefully controlled to ensure that the pieces are both elegant and durable.
Investment casting process at SMV Thailand
1. Model design
The process begins with the creation of a wax model of the desired piece of jewellery. This model is created using 3D modelling techniques to ensure maximum precision.
2. Fitting wax shafts
The wax models are then mounted on wax 'shafts'. These shafts allow several pieces to be grouped together in the same mould, optimising production efficiency. This assembly is crucial for creating mass-produced jewellery with uniform precision.
3. Wax setting or crimping
Some pieces may require the addition of stones or other decorative elements. This stage, known as wax setting, allows stones to be incorporated into the wax model before casting.
4. Coating
The wax shafts are embedded in specialised plaster, which hardens to form a rigid mould. This mould must be heated to remove the wax and harden the coating, creating a precise cavity to match the shape of the jewel.
5. Foundry
The plaster mould is then heated to a high temperature to melt and remove the wax, leaving an empty cavity in the shape of the jewel. This process is often carried out in specialised ovens. The stones remain intact and in their place.
6. Metal injection
Molten metal is then injected into the mould to fill the spaces left by the molten wax. This stage is carried out with great precision to guarantee high-quality parts.
7. Cooling and demoulding
Once the metal has cooled and solidified, the plaster mould is broken to reveal the raw metal parts.
8. Finishes
The parts are then cleaned and polished.
The advantages of lost wax casting
Precision
Lost-wax casting enables extremely fine details to be reproduced, guaranteeing high-precision jewellery.
Complexity
This method makes it possible to create complex designs that would be difficult to achieve using other moulding techniques.
Flexibility
It allows the use of different metals and alloys, offering great flexibility in the choice of materials for creating jewellery.
The lost wax casting technique: behind the scenes at SMV Thailand
At SMV Thailand, we specialise in investment casting. One of the important stages in this process is the casting. Once the prototype has been approved by our customer, we create a mould containing the impression of the jewellery model, into which we inject wax to give it shape. The wax models are then arranged around a rod heated to 45°C, with the heaviest pieces at the base and the thinnest at the top, forming a casting tree. The wax tree is then placed in a metal cylinder, which is filled with a plaster-like mixture. The cylinder is then placed in an oven to be fired. This process causes the wax tree to melt and flow, leaving only the hollow imprint of the objects. The cylinder is then inverted and molten metal is poured inside, occupying the exact space where the wax was. Finally, the hot cylinder is immersed in cold water, causing the plaster to disintegrate and allowing us to recover the metal tree.
Your questions about lost wax casting
What is lost wax casting?
Lost wax casting is a moulding technique that uses a wax pattern to create a ceramic or plaster mould. The mould is then used to pour molten metal and create detailed objects.
How long has lost-wax casting been used?
This technique dates back several millennia and was already used in Antiquity by civilisations such as the Egyptians and Greeks.
What metals can be used in lost wax casting?
Investment casting can be used with a variety of metals, including gold, silver, bronze and other alloys.
Why choose lost wax casting for jewellery making?
It can be used to create jewellery with fine, complex details, offering greater precision and quality than other moulding methods.
How long does the lost wax casting process take?
The length of the process can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of jewels to be produced, but it includes several stages that require time and attention to detail.
Can lost-wax casting be used to create bespoke jewellery?
Yes, this technique is ideal for creating personalised, made-to-measure jewellery, allowing great flexibility in design.
Find out about our other expertise
At SMV Thailand, we are proud to master both traditional and modern skills in the creation of our exceptional jewellery.
Our expertise covers a wide range of techniques, including :
SMV Thailand, experts in lost wax casting for 30 years!
Lost wax casting is a jewellery-making technique that combines tradition and modernity.
It enables the creation of pieces of great complexity and remarkable precision, offering customers unique, high-quality jewellery.
At SMV Thailand, we are experts in this field and are committed to delivering jewellery that meets the highest expectations.
To find out more about our other expertise and find out how we can bring your ideas to life, contact us to bring your project to life!
Making lost wax jewellery: between tradition and innovation
The age-old technique of lost-wax casting continues to play a central role in contemporary jewellery, enabling the creation of modern and innovative designs. At SMV Thailand, we have combined this traditional method with cutting-edge technology to offer costume jewellery that combines finesse, originality and quality.
Integrating 3D printing into the design process
To meet the demands of modern design, SMV Thailand has integrated the3D printing in its manufacturing process. This technology makes it possible to create precise, detailed prototypesThis makes it easier to view and modify models before final production.
3D printing is used to make moulds for lost-wax casting, guaranteeing high quality faithful reproduction of the most complex designs.
Contemporary applications of lost wax casting
Thanks to the combination of lost wax casting and 3D printing, SMV Thailand is now able to produce jewellery with bold shapes and refined detailsresponding to current market trends.
This synergy between tradition and innovation makes it possible to unique piecesOur products are customised to suit each customer's preferences, while maintaining a high level of quality and precision.
By adopting these contemporary approaches, SMV Thailand is demonstrating its commitment to continuous innovationwhile using traditional techniques that have made jewellery famous throughout the ages.