In orchids, the more delicate pieces are painted on the reverser
surfaces with melted wax to build up their substance (lost wax
process). The pieces are then invested and cooked out. The
investment cavity is then filled with wax. The investment is
removed once the wax has hardened. I have seen vibrator tables
used as the investment is poured to insure against air bubbles. I
have also heard of the liquid investment and forms being placed
in a vacuum to remove air bubbles.
Once the investment has been removed, the wax molding is then
checked for imperfections and corrected. The wax mold is then
placed in another investment and cooked out. The mold is then
filled with molten metal. I have seen this done with the mold
placed on a centrifuge to lessen the chance of air bubbles and
force the molten metal into fine detail cavities.
This is done frequently with flowers in Bangkok. They replicate
flowers this way in precious metals or with less costly metals
with precious electro plating. The detail when done properly is
incredible, far easier and more accurate than attempting to carve
one out of was by hand for most. A lot of failures and seconds
also.
Now if anyone has any recommendations regarding enameling
processes to color these metal flowers, I’m interested.