A study on casting fins

This experimental study attempted to establish a method for detection of polished casting fins of ancient bronze objects through X-ray transmission imaging. Air bubbles or blow-holes of rapidly-solidified casting fins have different forms from slowly-cooled main body of bronze objects. On the basis of the characteristics, X-ray transmission imaging successfully detected the original positions of casting fins. Through this method, split-cast bronze objects can be determined even if the bronze objects were polished and casting fins were removed. In addition, this study demonstrated that cracks on the surface of casting mold produced convex casting fins, and that liquid remains in the cracks formed groove-shaped casting fins by the shape of the cracks.