A survey is given on significant thermal properties of liquid or solidifying jewelry alloys. Also some properties of investment are mentioned. Values found in literature, measured in own investigations or estimations, are given. A relatively simple model for solidification is presented. Some parameters such as volume/surface ratio, superheat and solidification temperature are discussed. The solidification behavior of a simplified ring is investigated in more detail using the model. Some observations made with casting of spirals are shown.

Author: Dieter Ott