Photographs of finished rib castings and pillars being cast for the BBC Time watch
'The Mystery of the Ironbridge'
Ironbridge at Telford was designed by Abraham Darby


The ribs seen outside before collection, the three ends show one half on the locking pieces and the bolt holes. And for the wise it also shows the shadow of the photographer.
 

The ribs from the other end showing the other three locking pieces, also on the top one can be seen where the casting froze and the wave formation rippling along the top edge. The holes where the surface crust formed as the metal air cooled. 
 Defects explained

Open cast pouring of the pillars, the one on the right had been cast 5 minutes before. 
The pillars were 5 metres long.

A picture from halfway down the mould as the metal was being poured, the temperature is between 1200-1400 deg C and the flames  are from any combustible material within the mould.

At the far end from where the casting is being poured. The foot end of the pillar receives the first of its metal that has travelled the 5 metres. 
The surface shows signs of cooling as a skin begins to form. 

 Links


 

 Technical Intro
 Production of rib castings
 18th C casting defects
 Site photographs
 Home H. Downs
CD Available
 Details of Crown Joint