A review of some aspects of moulding and casting in schools in relation to recent industrial developments supported by practical applications

Foundry work was first introduced into schools some thirty years ago. At this time aluminium alloys were generally used, LM4 and LM6 being the most suitable. Some schools were a little more adventuresome and involved themselves with casting iron and brasses, but the high temperatures, obnoxious gases, noisy furnaces and inadequate extraction, coupled with length and cost of melt and the necessity of close furnace supervision, proved too much of a handicap for most. Few persisted for long in their attempts to introduce these materials into school. Progress was virtually halted when legislation placed school workshops under the jurisdiction of factory inspectors. This had several very desirable effects in the long term and, although working conditions in schools still lag far behind those of industry, several positive developments were made. Standards were raised by the insistence on adequate ventilation, efficient extraction systems and a general tightening of safety in all its aspects. [Continues.]