Spin Casting White Metal

Spin casting and lost-wax casting are both popular metal casting techniques used in jewelry making, but they differ significantly in process, materials, and applications. Spin casting—also known as centrifugal casting—involves pouring low-melting white metal alloys into a rubber mold that spins at high speed, using centrifugal force to distribute the molten metal evenly into the mold cavities. This method is ideal for mass-producing small, detailed components like charms, buttons, or jewelry findings, and is especially cost-effective due to the reusability of rubber molds and the relatively low temperatures required.

In contrast, lost-wax casting is a more traditional and precise technique suited for fine jewelry. It begins with a wax model that is encased in a plaster-like investment material. Once the mold hardens, the wax is burned out in a kiln, leaving a cavity into which molten precious metal—such as gold, silver, or platinum—is poured. This process allows for extremely fine detail and complex designs but is more labor-intensive and costly, as the mold is destroyed after each use. While spin casting is preferred for high-volume, low-cost production, lost-wax casting is favored for custom, high-value pieces requiring exceptional craftsmanship.