Spruing , Inveseting & Casting

1)Wax Pattern 2)Sprue 3)Crucible former 4)Ring liner 5)Investment 6)Casting

Prerequisites:
1. Completion of the wax pattern & re-flowed its margin.. 2. Evaluation of the wax pattern for smoothness, finish & contour.. 3. Inspection of the pattern under magnification & removal of any residual flash.. 4. Attachment of the sprue to the pattern & then removed from the die & fitted to a crucible former.. 5. Immediate investing of the wax pattern to avoid distortion due to stress relief of the wax..

Sprue
Variation of sprue design depending on:
1. 2. 3. Type of restoration being cast. The alloy used. The casting machine.

Sprue requirement:
There are 3 basic requirements of sprue: 1. Wax flow The sprue must allow the molten was to escape from the mold.. out The sprue must enable the molten metal to flow into the mold with little 2. Metal turbulence as possible.. flow in The metal within it must remain molten slightly longer than the alloy that 3. Metal has filled the mold.. reservoir This provides a reservoir to compensate for the shrinkage that occurs during solidification of the casting.. N.B: The shape of the channel in the refractory mold is determined by the sprue connecting the wax pattern to the crucible former..

 Sprue material: sprueMetal spruePlastic sprueWax

Most preferred because it has the same melting temperature as the wax pattern so they melt @ the same rate as the pattern & thus allow easy escape of the molten wax.. Sold plastic sprues are not recommended because they soften @ a higher temperature than the wax pattern & may block the escape of wax result in casting roughness.. Plastic sprues can be useful when casting (FPDs) in one piece Added rigidity & minimizes distortion.. Hollow plastic sprues permit the escape of wax.. Should be made from non-rusting metal to avoid possible contamination of the wax.. Often hollow to contact surface area & strengthen the attachment between the sprue & pattern.. Easy to be separated.. Removed @ the time of conformer.. Special care must be taken to examine the orifice for small particles of investment that may break off when a sprue is removed because they can cause as incomplete casting if undetected..

Sprue diameter:
A relatively large-diameter sprue is recommended because this: 1. Improves the flow of molten metal into the mold.. 2. Ensures a reservoir during solidification.. For molar & metal ceramic crown (MCC) 10-gauge (2.5mm) sprue is recommended.. For premolar & partial coverage restoration 12-gauge (2mm) sprue.. Centrifugal casting machine required large sprue diameter With air-pressure machines a narrow sprue is essential to prevents the molten metal from flowing into the mold prematurely..

N.B: - In air-pressure machines, the melt is made directly in the depression created by the crucible former then forced into the mold by the sudden change in pressure.. - Noble (non oxidized) Vs Precious (oxidized) Thin sprue freezes before the casting , causing shrink spot porosity or pitted castings; the solution by adding a reservoir to the thin sprue 1/16 inch away from the wax pattern..

 Sprue location:
It should be attached to: the bulkiest part of the pattern Away from margins & occlusal contacts (hard to finish) A point permit a stream of metal to be directed to all part of the mold without having to flow opposite the direction of the casting force The sprue must allow for proper positioning of the pattern in the ring because the expansion within the mold is not uniform spruing on the cusp tip Good result Spruing on the proximal contact casting too wide MD or OC In MOD: 2 sprues @ each proximal box instead of 1 sprue @ the narrow isthmus.

Sprue attachment:
Smooth to minimize turbulence Not be restricted because of necking: 1) casting porosity 2) mold filling

Venting:
Small auxiliary spies or vents: 1. Improve casting of thin pattern 2. Help gasses escape during casting 3. Ensure that solidification begins in critical areas by acting as heat sink

Crucible former (Sprue former)

Attach the sprue to the base of casting ring.. Usually made of rubber.. Its shape depend on the casting machine.. It must has high walls to: 1. Guide the molten metal into the channel & to confine the expending molten metal especially in air-pressure.. 2. Allow use of short sprue.. 3. Allow the pattern to be positioned near the end of the casting ring..

Cast Ring & Liner

Casting ring:
Holds investment in place during setting.. Restrict expansion of the mold..

Ring liner:
Is placed inside the ring.. Materials: {Asbestos(Carcinogenic) Celluloid Fiber Ceramic } Function: 1. Facilitate removal of the investment (not totally adhere to the casting ring). 2. Works as a cushion for allowing of more expansion of the investment

Wetting the liner: Wetting the liner hygroscopic expansion of the mold but because an absorbent dry liner removes water from the investment & makes a thicker mix, the total expansion. Squeeze liner against the ring to prevent expansion restriction..

Placing the mold in a water bath hygroscopic expansion.. The position of the pattern in the casting ring affects expansion: Single crown Positioned in equidistant position from the ring walls. Casting fixed prosthesis as a one piece Pattern is placed near the center of a large or special oval ring rather than near the edge of a smaller ring.