Atlas of Casting Defects

Defect Identifier

Positive
Negative
Smooth
Jagged
Rough
Spherical
Casting thicker than expected, flat featuresless surface or slot
Surface has “coastline” appearance
Surface faceted with distinct “ridgeline”
“Coffee Ring” spots located at bottom of part as shell built
Thin fin of metal located at wax injection parting line
Linear Fin of Metal located on outside diameter or sharp edges
Areas formed by ceramic core
Located in tight fillets, lettering or score lines
Irregular surface located in slots and holes
"Sandpaper" texture
1/8" Diameter or Less
Spherical with tail
Location difficult to wet during shell building
Smooth
Dented
Jagged
Rough
Mostly smooth with possibly a positive fin
Spherical
Linear or wavy
Round
Dished in
“Threadlike” irregular shadow
Faceted, located on flat surfaces
Areas exposed to blasting media
Jagged, fractured
Parallel grooves, grind marks near gates, missing features
Irregular
Flake or wafer like
Dendratic void in hot spots such as gates or fillets
Located at top of casting
Located in thick areas last to solidify
Located in areas difficult to burn-out
Very shallow defects in alloys such as 400 series and PH Stainless Steels
Located in thin sections or sharp edges
Located where two metal fronts rejoin
Shallow anywhere on part
Anywhere
Thick areas of Casting
Thick areas of Casting
Jagged surface with one surface having the same shape as letter, number or fillet
Jagged surface typically located at the bottom of the casting