Chess ProjectChess Project

Project update presentationProject update presentation

3-20-083-20-08

Last WeekLast Week Cast first metal pawnsCast first metal pawns

Explored surface smoothing optionsExplored surface smoothing options

Poured investment – failurePoured investment – failure

Prepared metallographic samplesPrepared metallographic samples

Strategized regarding future goalsStrategized regarding future goals

Wax Density Wax Density MeasurementMeasurement

Density measured Density measured using water using water displacement methoddisplacement method

Cast wax: Cast wax: d = 0.78 g/mLd = 0.78 g/mL

Relevant when Relevant when considering considering detatchment/floating detatchment/floating of wax during of wax during investment stageinvestment stage

Poor Investment Poor Investment DecisionDecision

Ceramic did not Ceramic did not properly hardened, properly hardened, remained soft and remained soft and wet for several dayswet for several days

Likely a problem Likely a problem with the amount of with the amount of catalyst added catalyst added (1.2% of powder (1.2% of powder weight, diluted in weight, diluted in water by 3% weight)water by 3% weight)

Salvaged wax Salvaged wax pieces, will reinvest pieces, will reinvest over spring breakover spring break

Pawn PolishingPawn Polishing

As-cast (left), sand-blasted (middle), and machine-polished (right) As-cast (left), sand-blasted (middle), and machine-polished (right) pawns are shown above. Note the difference in coloration.pawns are shown above. Note the difference in coloration.

Phase DiagramPhase Diagram Composition Composition

of received of received material at material at ~40% zinc~40% zinc

Some zinc is Some zinc is lost during lost during casting casting (moves our (moves our composition composition left on the left on the diagram)diagram)

As-Received MaterialAs-Received Material Both beta Both beta

and alpha and alpha phases phases present in present in considerable considerable amountsamounts

Few voids in Few voids in the materialthe material

100x 100x magnificationmagnification

Cast MaterialCast Material

Far less Far less alpha phase alpha phase present in present in our sampleour sample

Many voids Many voids visiblevisible

100x 100x magnificatiomagnificationn

Phase DiagramPhase Diagram

New Cast SampleNew Cast Sample Sample from Sample from

thicket segment thicket segment of material of material takentaken

More alpha More alpha expected to be expected to be found in the found in the microstructuremicrostructure

Result of thicket Result of thicket cross section cross section and slower and slower cooling ratecooling rate

Upcoming ScheduleUpcoming Schedule Continue metallographic studiesContinue metallographic studies

Prepare more wax treesPrepare more wax trees

Pour investment, prepare for a “casting Pour investment, prepare for a “casting week” to get the bulk of our castings week” to get the bulk of our castings completedcompleted

Begin surface treatments of already cast Begin surface treatments of already cast pawnspawns