FOUNDRY IN A BOX

Location: Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI 53704

The “Foundry in a Box” (FIB” program was originated as a research project decades ago by Kent State University, and since expanded into the American Foundry Society (AFS), providing a way to offer a portable metal casting demonstration to educate students about the foundry industry.

The materials used in the FeLion “FIB” is a bit of a hybrid from tradition, as we utilize 3D printed sand technology from Matthew’s Additive Technologies to allow each participant to customize their keychains. These tiny sand printed “cores” are then packed into a smokeless and odorless sand created by Kent State before we pour molten tin into the mold.

Tin melts at around 449degF, so nothing too scary, but we take safety very seriously and offer all PPE to each participant, including safety glasses, leather gloves and pommice soap to get your hands clean.

At this workshop

You will get to experience the whole sand molding and metal casting process within 60 minutes. Process includes:

• Selecting which design you want to cast from the patterns provided.

• Packing a tiny 2-sided sand mold around the pattern you choose. Open the 2 sides up and pull your pattern out.

• Decide if you want to customize your keychain: Carve a simple design into a tiny “sand core”, add it to the mold and close it all up !

• Cast a little tin into it. Wait 5 min to cool.

• Shake out (open up) your mold and put sand back into the bin.

• Cut the “gates” off your part, drill a hole and hook a key chain into it.

• High five the helpers and see you there next time, or when you bring your kids or friends back to try one!

ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOMED!

This is a fun and relaxed “make ‘n’ take” opportunity for any skill level and person who is willing to try something new and embrace the creative process of metal casting.