FROM “LOST WAX” CASTING TO “DIRECT” CASTING: TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

The article considers the history of development of the technology of investment casting from the lost wax technique to the technology of “direct” casting. It is shown how the used auxiliary materials and technical methods influenced the labour intensity of technology, design and cost price of products. Casting technology peculiarities use at different stages of its historical development, advantages and disadvantages of modern techniques and materials are considered. It is shown that the use of “direct” casting technology is more expedient in the manufacture of complex expensive jewellery. When producing mass consumption jewellery of simple shape and design it is economically expedient to use the traditional technology of investment casting.