GRS HYDRACAST Cre'Art – Refractory Investment for Lost Wax, Bronze & Pâte de Verre
GRS HYDRACAST Cre'Art – Refractory Investment for Lost Wax, Bronze & Pâte de Verre
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Refractory investment for art casting and pâte de verre
GRS HYDRACAST Cre'Art is a fine-grained refractory investment for the art world. It was developed for large decorative castings from 20 cm to 1 metre in copper alloys, and for detailed and complex pâte de verre pieces. You use it to cast aluminium to bronze with the lost-wax method. You mix 100 parts powder with 36 parts water, have 14 minutes working time and the investment has set after 20 to 24 minutes. Expansion after 2 hours is at most 0.30 %.
Key benefits
- For bronze and glass: lost-wax casting of aluminium to bronze, and pâte de verre.
- Large castings: from 20 cm to 1 metre.
- Fine-grained: for detailed and complex pieces.
- Generous working time: 14 minutes to pour or apply.
- Dimensionally stable: expansion after 2 hours at most 0.30 %.
Typical applications
- ✓ Art casting of bronze, copper alloys and aluminium with the lost-wax method
- ✓ Large decorative castings
- ✓ Detailed and complex pâte de verre pieces
Application
- Weigh powder and water accurately in a 100 : 36 ratio by weight. Work with clean materials and preferably mix under vacuum.
- Mix for approx. 4 minutes, long enough for a homogeneous mixture.
- Pour the investment within the 14-minute working time, or apply it by hand or machine. Make sure the mixture does not become too thick.
- Let the mould set undisturbed and wait at least 2 hours before dewaxing or firing.
- Dewaxing: under moist conditions at 100 °C or dry at 150 to 160 °C, for 6 to 8 hours. Above 400 °C the wax residues also burn off, which reduces casting defects.
- Firing cycle for lost wax: raise by 100 °C per hour to 250 °C and hold for 6 to 8 hours. Then raise by 150 °C per hour to 760 °C and hold for 6 to 8 hours. Cool at 100 °C per hour to the required casting temperature.
- Firing cycle for pâte de verre: fill the cavity and the refractory pot on top of the mould with pieces of crystal. Raise by 15 to 20 °C per hour to 850 to 900 °C and hold for 4 hours. Cool at 20 °C per hour to 500 °C, hold that temperature for a few hours, then cool at 10 °C per hour to 20 °C.
- After cooling, break out the mould by immersing it in water or with a high-pressure jet, and finish the casting.
Points to note
- ✓ The powder can release dust containing crystalline silica. Work with as little dust as possible, with extraction or good ventilation, and wear a dust mask (FFP2 or FFP3).
- ✓ All water must be removed from the mould before you pour metal. The drying time depends strongly on the thickness and the number of moulds in the kiln.
- ✓ One litre of mixture weighs approx. 1,800 grams (1,325 g powder and 475 g water).
- ✓ Protect the powder from frost and moisture. Stored dry, the shelf life is 12 months.
Professional support
Not sure which investment or firing cycle suits your model? Email us at info@siliconesandmore.com and we will be happy to help.
| Type | refractory investment |
|---|---|
| Colour | white |
| Mix ratio powder | water: 100 : 36 by weight |
| Mixing time | 4 minutes |
| Working time | 14 minutes |
| Setting time | 20-24 minutes |
| Density of mixture | 1.80 g/cm3 |
| Setting expansion after 2 hours | max. 0.30 % |
| Suitable for | aluminium to bronze, pâte de verre |
| Shelf life | 12 months, dry and frost-free |
| Packaging | 25 kg |
Safety Information
This product can release dust containing crystalline silica. According to the GRS safety guidance for silica-based products, it may cause damage to the lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation (H373). Signal word: Warning. Do not breathe the dust (P260) and wear respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate (P284), at least an FFP2 mask. Work with as little dust as possible, use extraction or good ventilation and wear gloves and eye protection. Always consult the supplied safety data sheet (SDS) for full information on hazards, handling, storage and first aid.| Safety Pictograms | Safety Data Sheets (SDS) |
|---|---|
Required protection (ISO 7010)
    |
| Signal Word | H‑code | Hazard Statement | P‑codes | P‑statements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warning | H373 | May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure | P260 P501 |
|
Frequently asked questions
What is the delivery time for my order?
Orders placed and paid on working days are in most cases shipped the same day. Weekend orders are processed on the next working day.
Indicative delivery times: Netherlands usually within 1 working day, Belgium and Germany typically 1–2 working days, other countries depending on destination and carrier. These are guidelines, not guarantees: peak periods, public holidays or carrier delays can have an effect.
What is the return policy?
You have 30 days to return after receipt. Email info@siliconesandmore.com within 30 days of delivery with your name and order number. The full conditions are in our return policy.
How can I track my order?
As soon as your order has shipped, you'll receive a track & trace code by email. It can take up to 24 hours before the code is active.
I have a problem with my order – how do I reach you?
Contact us via our contact page or email info@siliconesandmore.com. We're happy to help you quickly.
Can I order as a business?
Yes. Apply for a business account; we review your application within 3 working days. After that you order while logged in and pay on invoice, with payment terms of 14 days after delivery.
EU businesses outside the Netherlands with a valid VAT number order with VAT reverse-charged (0%, intra-community supply). The VAT number is stored in your business account; it cannot be added to an order after it has been placed.