Guide to Metal Casting and Materials Science

Here we compile instructions, key figures, and materials science on pure metals, alloys, and foundry supplies. Melting points, casting temperatures, mould making, and the question of which material is suitable for which purpose. Each article links to the relevant categories and products in the shop.

$Bismuth pieces 1kg Bi99.99, three pieces with golden-yellow shimmering fracture surface on a white background$

Understanding and working with bismuth

Afterwards, you’ll know the properties of bismuth and how to melt it safely, cast it, and grow it into hopper crystals.

Indium ingot 100 g In99.995 diagonal view from above with embossed lettering

Indium: Properties and Uses

You’ll learn what Indium is used for, its properties, and which alloys become liquid below 100 degrees Celsius.

Lead ingots Pb99.9 stacked three high, viewed from the front

The melting point of lead

Afterwards, you’ll know the melting point of lead and its alloys and how to melt lead safely.

5N Ge99.999 germanium round bar with a smooth end face, angled from the side

Germanium: properties, uses, and forms

You’ll learn what properties germanium has, what it’s used for, and which forms you can get the pure metal in.

Buying Guide

Which crucible for which metal

You’ll learn which crucible material suits your metal and determine volume and design before your first melting attempt.

Materials Science

Melting point of tin and tin alloys

You’ll learn when tin has a fixed melting point and when a melting range, and know the values for common solders.

Steel casting ladle for casting tin figures

Guide

Casting tin figures step by step

Afterwards, you’ll know which metal suits your mould and how to cast and deburr tin figures in six steps.