The Flamefast Low Temperature Casting System - LT1 is a specialized unit designed for casting with low-temperature metals, primarily lead-free pewter. It provides a controlled environment for melting and pouring metal into molds, making it suitable for educational or small-scale production environments.
Function Description:
The LT1 system operates by melting metal in a crucible pot, which is then poured into molds using a controlled lever mechanism. The unit features a thermostatically controlled heater to maintain the metal at its molten state. An internal fan and light are also integrated to aid in operation. The system is designed for ease of use, with clear instructions for starting, loading, operating, and shutting down. It emphasizes safety through warnings about handling hot metal and proper shutdown procedures. The unit is supplied with approximately 1kg of lead-free pewter to begin operations.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Supply: The unit operates on a 230V power supply.
- Metal Capacity: The melting pot can hold just over 2kg of molten metal when full.
- Melting Time: From cold, and depending on the amount of metal, the unit typically takes 10-15 minutes to heat up and melt the metal.
- Mould Dimensions: For user-made molds, the external dimensions should be approximately 100mm Long x 100mm High x 25mm Thick.
- Metal Type: It is crucial to use Flamefast recommended Lead Free Pewter. Mixing with other alloys is discouraged as it will alter the melting point.
- Thermostatic Control: The heater is thermostatically controlled, with "High" and "Low" settings for melting and maintaining the molten state, respectively.
Usage Features:
- Setup: The unit should be placed in a separate tray on a level surface near a 230V outlet. The front opening flap should open within the tray.
- Loading Metal: Metal sticks are placed in the pot. As the bottom melts, they shrink down, allowing more metal to be added if needed.
- Power Control: The unit has a "Power On" switch and a "Heater On" switch, both with illuminated centers when active.
- Temperature Settings: A "High" setting is used for initial melting, and a "Low" setting for maintaining the molten state.
- Mould Preparation: Molds are placed in a moulding trough. A spring adjuster ensures a tight fit, holding the two halves of the mold firmly.
- Pouring Mechanism: Molds are slid into the unit, positioning the mold hole under the pouring spout. A "Pouring Lever" is gently lifted to allow metal to flow into the mold until the "approach hole" is full.
- Safety During Operation: Users are warned not to operate the pouring lever before the metal is molten. The metal in the mold will be very hot and should not be touched immediately after pouring.
- Cooling Down: After pouring, the unit should not be moved until the metal in the pot has solidified, which can take up to 20 minutes. Leaving the "Power On" switch active will keep the cooling fan running, speeding up the process.
- Re-use of Metal: Spare metal from "approach holes" or spills can be re-used by returning it to the melting pot. However, it is recommended not to re-melt the same metal more than 5 times due to potential impurity build-up.
- Fumes: On first use, a small amount of fumes may be generated as protective oil films vaporize. In regular use, no extraction is required as the unit does not generate fumes.
Maintenance Features:
- Crucible Pot Level: Never leave the crucible pot more than 50% full when switching off the unit.
- Scum Removal: Periodically, a scraping spoon (supplied) should be used to remove "scum" from the top of the molten metal in the pot.
- Pot Cleaning: It is good practice to periodically empty the pot completely to remove unwanted impurities, especially after the same charge of metal has been re-melted 5 times. This helps reduce wastage by allowing molds to be made during the final melt.
- Pouring Spout Cleaning: When the pot is empty but still warm, a small gauge wire can be passed into the pouring spout to aid cleaning. The wire must be removed before subsequent use.
- Dripping Prevention: If the unit occasionally drips molten metal from the pouring spout, it is usually due to small flecks of solid material on the mating surfaces. This can be resolved by using a small screwdriver to turn the screw slot on top of the lifting lever several times in each direction when the metal is molten until the dripping stops.
- Impurity Management: Be mindful of impurities introduced from external sources like mold materials or grease on hands, as these can hinder pouring or block the nozzle.
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