Chess Project
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Presentation Transcript
Chess Project Project update presentation 3-20-08
Last Week • Cast first metal pawns • Explored surface smoothing options • Poured investment – failure • Prepared metallographic samples • Strategized regarding future goals
Wax Density Measurement • Density measured using water displacement method • Cast wax: d = 0.78 g/mL • Relevant when considering detatchment/floating of wax during investment stage
Poor Investment Decision • Ceramic did not properly hardened, remained soft and wet for several days • Likely a problem with the amount of catalyst added (1.2% of powder weight, diluted in water by 3% weight) • Salvaged wax pieces, will reinvest over spring break
Pawn Polishing As-cast (left), sand-blasted (middle), and machine-polished (right) pawns are shown above. Note the difference in coloration.
Phase Diagram • Composition of received material at ~40% zinc • Some zinc is lost during casting (moves our composition left on the diagram)
As-Received Material • Both beta and alpha phases present in considerable amounts • Few voids in the material • 100x magnification
Cast Material • Far less alpha phase present in our sample • Many voids visible • 100x magnification
New Cast Sample • Sample from thicket segment of material taken • More alpha expected to be found in the microstructure • Result of thicket cross section and slower cooling rate
Upcoming Schedule • Continue metallographic studies • Prepare more wax trees • Pour investment, prepare for a “casting week” to get the bulk of our castings completed • Begin surface treatments of already cast pawns