RDH Studio

First step is to draw an accurate CAD model of the  piece one wants to cast. This is done by building up the 3D model from 2D surfaces

The tool-paths then get calculated in the CAM software.

The cutting is then simulated to check that the result will be what is expected.

The master shape is CNC machined from aluminium.

The Master Goldsmith (Robert Hochfelden) then finishes off the aluminium master.

 A Rubber mold is vulcanized off the aluminium "Master".

The wax positives get injected in the rubber mold and built into a casting tree.

The wax tree then gets cast in an investment powder in the investment flask.  These flasks are then baked in a kiln thereby burning out the wax.

The cured investment mold then gets placed in the vacuum chamber on the left while the silver gets melted in the smelter unit on the right.  The lid of the vacuum chamber is removed and the molten silver is poured into the mouth of the investment mold.

The investment powder is washed off the silver tree with high pressure water and the silver products are tumbles to clean them up and pre‑polish them.

Often parts of a badge are silver soldered together and hand finished.

 Lastly the product is polished on the polishing wheel and chemically etched.

 Finished Products.