Q&A for How to Cast Brass

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What is the best mold material for casting brass?

Alvaro Mendoza, PhD
Metallurgist
Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida.

Alvaro Mendoza, PhD

Metallurgist

Expert Answer

Sand casting is the easiest and most accessible option for people—you use a special sand mixture to create a positive pattern of the item you're hoping to cast. There's also investment casting, where you build the mold around the material with alternating layers of ceramic sand (kind of like stucco).

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Question

Can I pour brass into a brass mold?

Community Answer

No, you should never cast a metal in a mold made of the same grade as the heat will transfer and warp the mold, possibly welding it into one piece.

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Question

Should my mold sand cast be hot when pouring the metal?

Community Answer

It does not need to be heated, unless it has become wet, in which case you may want to place it in the oven to dry out.

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Question

Can brass be poured into a plaster mold?

Community Answer

It in not recommended as water bubbles in the plaster will explode due to the heat.

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Can brass be cast by using a mould or die made up of iron or steel?

Community Answer

Brass is used to braze iron and steel, so you may find the casting stuck to the mold unless a release agent can be used.

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