GRS HYDRACAST Tradition – Refractory Investment for Lost Wax, Aluminium & Bronze
GRS HYDRACAST Tradition – Refractory Investment for Lost Wax, Aluminium & Bronze
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Refractory investment for the traditional lost-wax method
GRS HYDRACAST Tradition is a ready-to-use refractory investment for art casters working with the traditional lost-wax method. You apply it by hand or machine directly onto the wax model. Use it as the first contact layer, or with added fillers such as grog or aluminosilicates as a reinforcing layer. This lets you build moulds from 15 cm to 2.5 metres for aluminium to bronze. You mix the powder with 42 % water by weight and have approx. 13 minutes working time.
Key benefits
- Traditional lost wax: applied by hand or machine.
- Contact and backup layer: neat as the first layer, with grog as a reinforcing layer.
- Large moulds: from 15 cm to 2.5 metres.
- For aluminium to bronze: suitable for the usual art casting alloys.
- Dimensionally stable: linear expansion at most 0.3 % after 2 hours.
Typical applications
- ✓ Art casting of bronze and aluminium with the lost-wax method
- ✓ First contact layer on wax models
- ✓ Reinforcing layer with grog or aluminosilicates
Application
- Weigh powder and water accurately: 42 % water based on the powder weight. Work with clean materials and preferably mix under vacuum.
- Mix for approx. 4 minutes, long enough for a homogeneous mixture.
- Apply the investment by hand or machine within the working time of approx. 13 minutes. Make sure the mixture does not become too thick or too stiff. After approx. 17 minutes the investment starts to set.
- Use the neat investment as the first layer, then build up a reinforcing layer of HYDRACAST Tradition with grog or another filler.
- 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: raise to 200 °C as quickly as possible and allow 2 to 8 hours there for dewaxing, depending on size. Then raise by 100 to 120 °C per hour to 700 to 750 °C and hold that temperature for approx. 1 hour per 1 to 2 cm of mould radius. Cool very slowly, at no more than 70 °C per hour.
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.
- ✓ The powder-to-water ratio affects setting time and strength, so always weigh accurately.
- ✓ Plaster products are not suitable for outdoor use or very damp locations.
- ✓ Store in the original 25 kg bag, dry and frost-free. The shelf life is then 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 : 42 by weight |
| Mixing time | 4 minutes |
| Working time | approx. 13 minutes |
| Initial set | approx. 17 minutes |
| Density of mixture | 1.75 g/cm3 |
| Linear expansion | max. 0.3 % (2 hours after setting) |
| Suitable for | aluminium to bronze |
| Shelf life | 12 months in the original bag, dry |
| 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) |
|---|---|
GHS hazard pictograms
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 |
|
Technical data sheets
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.