When considering the investment casting process, the most ancient process for jewelry production, even today the goldsmith frequently focuses his attention on the steps of melting and casting, or on the dilemma: "static or centrifugal casting?" It seems that the great improvement of technical equipment that has been achieved in recent years has hidden the fact that investment casting is a unique example of an integrated process. In his writings, Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian goldsmith of the 16th century, gives this aspect of the process much more attention than some modern goldsmiths, even if his approach was rather empirical and intuitive! In recent Santa Fe Symposia, essential information has been made available to the discerning goldsmith for achieving the best results in investment casting. Very important progress of technical and scientific knowledge has been obtained in the areas of model making, spruing, rubber and rubber molds, waxes, investing and burnout. Moreover, we should not overlook the modern factory organization methods that can give a substantial contribution to the manufacture of good-quality products.

Author: Dr. Valerio Faccenda, Michelangelo Condò