Introduction

Plaster mold casting is a casting process where instead of sand, plaster of Paris is used as the
molding aggregate. This expendable mold process plaster is used only for casting non-ferrous
metal for a wide of shapes and sizes, Plaster mold casting, also called rubber plaster molding
(RPM), is a relatively economical process and therefore the foundry industry is working on to
use plaster mold casting with investment casting.
The metal casting industry in on the look for more technical and economically viable
casting process. For which many casting process are being combined to manufacture complex
designs that require cope and drag mold. Of now no process has been able to replace the
expensive investment casting method in the steel casting industry. But it is assumed that in future
some complex, cost-effective casting technique is evolved in which plaster mold process is used.
Parts that are typically made by plaster mold casting are lock components, gears, valves, fittings,
tooling, and ornaments. Also useful for prototypes and short run production of aluminum and
zinc parts.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Always wear goggles. If Plaster of Paris is in contact with eyes, first rinse with plenty of water for
several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then go to a doctor.
Always wear dust masks while mixing dry powder indoors.
Always wear gloves when using plaster.
Never cast body parts with raw skin or allow hair to be in contact with the plaster
Never cast faces using plaster.
Always use a cloth dipped in plaster (or ModRoc) rather than a direct bath of raw plaster (the
latter can heat up to a dangerous temperature).
Do not leave plaster in prolonged contact with skin temperatures as low as 45c can burn.
There is also slight shrinkage upon setting which can increase pressure and temperatures as high
as 60c can be achieved.
Never cast body parts in a cast that cannot be lifted away at any stage (i.e. undercuts should be
negligible) .
Always use flexible containers in which to mix and carry plaster so that they can be easily
separated from set plaster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we learned that casting is to shape a product using a mold by pouring molten
material into the mold.. In various types of casting the mold is made before hand and then
covered and sand to execute the pouring process. Plaster mold casting however is a mold with a
predetermined shape that only need pouring molten material into.
Advantages of plaster mold are the product would have excellent surface finish and fine
detailing. Its also cheap to cast complex component via plaster mold casting. Furthermore,
plaster mold reduces the wastage of scrap material.
Its disadvantage is its unstable so it is dependent on several factors, including the
consistency of the plaster composition, pouring procedures, and curing techniques. If these
factors are not closely monitored the mold can be distorted, shrink upon drying, have a poor
surface finish, or fail completely