The ceramic shell molds are cooled down over night and inspected for cracks and imperfections; pre-drilled wax release holes and cracks are filled and then the shell is reheated and ready to accept the bronze.
The bronze is melted in a furnace to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, and poured into the pre-heated ceramic shell through its funnel or alternately poured into the baked investment mold in the flask. After the bronze cools completely, the shell or investment mold is chipped off, and the bronze sculpture is released. The sprues and vents are removed from the bronze, which is now a set of pieces identical in form to the cut- up original. These bronze pieces of the sculpture are then welded together by highly skilled craftsmen, and the resulting bronze sculpture is "chased", removing any imperfections from the casting process.
Continued...
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Cracking the shell
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Chasing the bronze |
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Heating and pouring molten bronze |
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