CHARACTERIZATION AND FORMULATION OF WAX COMPOSITION FOR INVESTMENT CASTING PATTERN

ABSTRACT

In this study selected natural waxes were blended with other selected synthetic waxes like paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax for the purpose of investment casting. Beeswax, carnauba wax and microcrystalline wax were selected to be blended with paraffin wax at the proportion of; 100%-0%, 80%-20%, 60%-40%, 50%-50%, 40%-60%, 20%-80%, and

0%-100% for each blend. Wax properties like ash content, density, specific gravity, melting point, surface finishing, and shrinkage were determined. The results showed that blend F2 (20% beeswax with 80% paraffin wax); blend F3 (20% carnauba wax with 80% paraffin wax); and blend B1 (80% microcrystalline wax with 20% paraffin wax) gave better improvement over the natural waxes. Casting of a gear using wax pattern made from the blend F2 produced cast with smooth surface finishing and dimensional accuracy. Blended wax of F2, F3, and B1 were recommended for the production of wax pattern in investment casting.