This is a very brief overview of some of the problems confronting those doing small scale precision gravity casting, with an emphasis on silver. It is a general discussion not directed towards any object or individual. Those who are engaged in the casting business as a profession are generally aware of the problems, whereas it is more likely that amateurs are not.
For an amateur there is an increased likelihood of solidification shrinkage causing a deformation in the casting. It can also manifest itself as a crinkling or unevenness in the casting.
And voids. As discussed in the �Reverse Swastika� thread on the sword forum. Gravity casting can be a problem especially for those who lack either knowledge or experience. Silver is heavier than aluminum, but improper mold design can cause and magnify problems.
And most especially for amateurs - silver as a metal has it�s own fairly unique problem. While silver is generally stable in the atmosphere. In a molten state it absorbs a lot of oxygen. Which if not compensated for creates pin holes, voids, and other casting flaws when it cools. Sometimes it can be a few pin holes or flaws, or it could be a lot of them under the right conditions. (Discussed in several GDC sword forum threads a few years back where fake silver hilted �SS� sabers were under discussion.). There are some other issues as well. But those are some of the �biggies�.
The point of this commentary being that not only with stamped parts should there not be any of the above mentioned flaws. With a well experienced company that was in the business of manufacturing silver castings as part of its core business. There is I think a reasonable expectation that the manufactured goods will be reasonably defect free. FP
