Atlas of Wax Pattern Defects

In the process of wax pattern manufacturing, there can be a number of obstacles a producer may face in making high quality wax pattern consistently. There can be challenges associated with pattern dies, waxes, cores, equipment and/or process parameters that may result in defects causing unnecessary rework and scrap. It is recognized that if the wax pattern is of good quality, the producer has a proper start toward meeting the goal of a high quality and cost-effective casting.
This manual is provided to assist process engineers and wax injection personnel identify defects in wax patterns. It offers suggested and remedies to reduce or eliminate defects. Wax injection is a complex relationship between material and injection parameters. For further resources or classes to obtain a greater understanding please contact the ICI.
The manual is in an easy-to-use format. Photos provide a visual of the defect; text provides a list of probable causes and the suggested remedies. The most probable cause is listed first. The causes and remedies are categorized as “Equipment,” “Pattern Die,” “Wax,” and “Other.”
The manual is divided into three sections.

Acknowledgments

The Investment Casting Institute wishes to thank all of the members of the Institute’s Publication and Wax Committees who provided information, photographs and valuable resources. This excellent support has made it possible to create this Atlas of Wax Pattern Defects, an educational tool that will be of great value to the industry now and in the future.

Publications Committee

Chairman
Julie Markee
Key Process Innovations, LLC

Members
Russ Gallagher
Bescast, Inc.

Rich Kilpatrick
Paramelt USA

Naum Cherepakhov
Industry Consultant

Craig Lanham
Member Emeritus

Barry Dahlin
Westech Products Inc

Douglas Neece
Cleveland Tool & Machine Co.

Aaron Phipps
MPI, Inc.