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[[Category:Tools]]
[From old Wiki]
The space has acquired a FlameFast Tilt Crucible with the aim of casting aluminium.
Due to the temperatures involved, casting is a dangerous process, and the following precautions should be taken before using the furnace.
contents
1 Setting Up The Crucible
2 Pouring Aluminium
3 Cleaning Up
4 Risks and Mitigations
setting up the crucible
The crucible should be used outside, and should not be used in the rain. There is a steel tray that should be placed outside and then filled with sand. Place the crucible furnace on the tray and then connect it up to the butane, ensuring that all of the pipes and the regulator are fitted tightly and correctly. Once the butane is connected correctly, connect up the mains lead, and turn on the butane. <process for melting ali..... I assume the metal goes in cold?)
pouring aluminium
When using the crucible when it's hot, you should use the PPE provided (leather gloves, apron and face mask/shield). Ensure that there are no people crowded around the crucible when you're pouring, and ensure that anyone keeps a safe distance. When you start to pour the aluminium, the flame on the crucible will go out. This is expected behaviour!
cleaning up
Pour any remaining aluminium into the ingot mold and let it cool down. Let the crucible cool down as well and unplug it from the mains, and turn off the butane.
Once everything is cool, put the crucible away on the shelf, and then put the sand back into the bin. Put away the tray tidily and sweep any spilt sand up.
risks and mitigations
Risk Mitigation
Water entering the hot melt
Do not cast in the rain
Ensure that anyone with drinks are kept well clear of the crucible when in operation
Ensure others in the Hackspace are aware when approaching the area
Open flame on crucible causing atmospheric dust to ignite
Only cast outside
Ensure no major dust creating activities are running while the crucible is in operation
Hot melt hitting a cold surface (such as concrete) causing the melt to spread erratically, or potentially causing the concrete to explode.
Only cast in the sand tray with the crucible on the sand.
Ensure the sand is dry before beginning to cast.
Fire
Ensure all fire exits are clear of any obstructions or trip hazards.
Ensure the correct fire extinguisher is available within reach
Ensure gas bottles are kept at a safe distance
Gas leak
Ensure the area is well ventilated
Ensure emergency shut offs work and are accessible at all times
Check hoses and connections before use
Burns from splashes/hot metal/hot equipment
wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, aprons) at _all_ times
do not approach the crucible without the appropriate PPE
Fumes might be given off by lost casting processes or melting aluminium
only cast in a well ventilated space
Do no inhale fumes
Adding cold metal to hot melt can cause the metal to freeze and crack and/or damage the crucible
Warm cold metal before adding it to the hot melt pool
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