Instructions for ProCraft Vacuum Machine for Investing and Casting

Introduction

Before using your vacuum pump-  If using a ProCraft pump, refer to the manual for complete instructions  and maintenance.  If using another brand pump, refer to that manufacturer's instructions.

Precautions

• Wear Safety goggles.
• Read and follow instructions before starting.
• Avoid unintentional starting.  Make sure the line cord switch on the pump motor is "off" when plugging in.
• Have a damaged or worn cord replaced or repaired immediately by a qualified electrician.
• Replace brittle or cracked vacuum tubing.
• Never leave equipment running unattended.

• Check to make certain the voltage and frequency of the outlet match the specifications on the pimp motor decal.  Check the ON-OFF switch to be sure it is in the OFF position before you plug the pump into an outlet.  Check to be certain the gas ballast valve is closed.  Remove and discard the exhaust plug from the end of the pump's handle.

• The pump is shipped without oil in the reservoir.  Before starting the pump, fill with oil.  Remove the OIL FILL cap (black plastic plug directly in front of the handle) and add oil until oil just shows in the bottom of the sight glass.   The approximate oil capacity of the pump is 15 ounces.

• Replace the OIL FILL cap and position the isolation valve in the CLOSE position.  Be sure the inlet parts are capped.  Turn the motor switch to ON, then turn the isolation valve to OPEN.  After the pimp runs for approximately one minute with the valve open, check the sight glass for proper oil level-  oil should be even with the sight glass OIL LEVEL line.  Add oil if necessary.

Setting Up

1. Mount the vacuum casting table on a bench of a height convenient for the easy manipulation of flasks, crucible and tongs, and investment mixing bowls.  Fasten the casting table to the bench top with screws for rigidity.  

2. Locate the pump securely on the bench, beneath or on the same level, close to the casting table.  Connect the ½" I.D. vinyl tubing between the vacuum connection of the pump and that of the casting table.  Connect to correct voltage receptacle with the switch "OFF".

3. The table contains 2 brass valves-  one (the switch valve) atop the vacuum table for use with the bell jar - the other (the release valve) adjacent to the vacuum gauge.  Each is opened by a counter clockwise rotation of the top, requiring one or two turns.

4. The black rubber pad is used with the bell jar.  The hole in the pad goes over the switch valve which projects above the table.  The central hole in the table is sealed by the rubber pad when the bell jar is in use.  The red silicone rubber pad is used when casting.  The hole in this pad is aligned with the hole in the table.  The mold flask is placed centrally over this hole and the switch valve is closed.

   

Investing

The rubber bowl containing the mixed investment is placed on the vacuum table on top of the black rubber pad.  The switch valve at the top center of the table is turned counterclockwise to open.  The release valve to the right of the gauge should be tightly closed.  The bell jar is then placed over the bowl and the pump is turned on.  As the investment starts to boil, hit one corner of the vacuum table sharply to help release the air bubbles.  After 1 minute, the release valve is opened to release the vacuum and the pump is turned off.  The investment the poured into the flask containing the wax impressions, placed under the bell jar and, with the switch valve open and the release valve closed, the pump turned on.

When investment begins to boil and the vacuum gauge reads 25" of mercury or above, rap the vacuum table sharply and repeatedly, and allow to vacuum for 1 minute.  Open release valve, turn off pump, remove flask and tap its side several times with the spatula or brush handle, to release any bubbles which may still be trapped.

Casting

Vacuum assist casting is a simple, safe and efficient method of casting metal articles.  The vacuum machine creates a vacuum at one end of the flask which pulls the air and gases from the mold, at the same time molten metal is poured into the sprue opening.  the molten metal quickly flows to all parts of the mold before it begins to solidify.

A vacuum assist casting is accomplished after completing the investing and burnout procedure.  The switch valve at the top center of the table is turned clockwise to close.  After burnout, the flask is placed on top of the red silicone rubber pad on the casting table, sprue hole side up.  The flask temperature should be between 550 and 750 degree F.  The center of the flask should be directly over the hole in the middle of the vacuum table and rubber pad.

The flask should have even edges to insure a proper seal with the silicone pad.  You can test for a proper seal by turning on the pump.  The gauge should indicate from 20-25 inches of vacuum.  If a good seal is not indicated, press down on the flask by laying tongs across the top.  If a good seal is indicated, the metal is melted in the crucible and poured into the sprue opening in the flask.  After pouring, the flame of the torch is left on the button of metal for a few seconds.  The vacuum is then released and the pump turned off.

The flask is allowed to cool on the vacuum table.  The flask with the cast article is then removed from the table and the article is remove, cleaned and finished.

To Use The Gas Ballast Feature

1. Using this pump for standard casting operations should not require the use of this feature.

2. Moisture that is carried into the pimp as vapor mist tends to condense into a liquid and combine with the vacuum pump oil.  When moisture contaminates the pump oil, it reduces the pump's ability to reach its ultimate deep vacuum level.

3. The gas ballast valve purges a small amount of atmospheric air through the exhaust chamber.  this extra volume of air mixes with the vapor to prevent condensation and to help exhaust moisture in the form of vapor from the pump.

4. To use the gas ballast, start the pump and open the gas ballast valve for 20 seconds.  Close the valve to allow the pump to pull down to its ultimate vacuum level.  The gas ballast valve is located beside the handle, opposite the inlet fitting.

5. The gas ballast valve may be opened or closed at any time during pump operation.  It is fully open at two turns counterclockwise.

To Shut Down After Use

To help prolong pump life and promote easy starting, follow these procedures for shutdown:

1. Close any valve between the pump and the system.

2. Open the gas ballast valve, and turn the ISO-Valve to the CLOSE position.

3. Turn OFF the pump power switch.

4. Using this pump for standard casting operations should not require the use of the gas ballast valve feature.

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