Best Investment Casting Wax Melting & Conditioning Tank

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose WaxMelters?

Waterless PRIMO heating is the fastest melting and heating: safe, even heating that is 2 to 3X faster using half the electricity. It is the most energy efficient and saves money, time and energy. Each PRIMO system is function-tested before shipment. Get a quote online.

What is the best wax melting tank for investment casting?

WaxMelters recommends a Standard PRIMO melter as the starting point for pattern and foundry wax: PRIMO 250 (264 lb, $2,795) for a small wax room, PRIMO 750 (770 lb, $6,395) or PRIMO 1000 (1,226 lb, $7,995) for production.

When should a foundry choose PRIMO Thermal Conditioning?

When extended wax conditioning, viscosity stability or tighter control of heat exposure is the main requirement. Sizes run from 3.5 gal ($1,645) to 950 gal ($37,995) and up to 7,979 gal.

When is Rapid-Cycle the right choice?

When high-throughput pattern production reloads the vessel often and fast recovery between additions matters, for example the PRIMO 500 Rapid-Cycle ($5,850) or PRIMO 1000 Rapid-Cycle ($9,245).

How do I move wax from the tank to the injection presses?

Use heated transfer, such as the EZ-T heated transfer system ($2,995, 1, 3, 5 or 10 GPM), with heated hoses and valves so the wax stays at temperature all the way to the press.

Does WaxMelters make dewaxing equipment?

WaxMelters lists wax removal and dewaxing systems separately. Keep melting and conditioning separate from dewaxing and reclaim, and send both requirements for a recommendation.

Can PRIMO tanks run hotter waxes?

Yes. Standard tanks run up to 212°F / 100°C, and an X-Treme configuration runs up to 400°F / 204°C, for example +$1,250 on the PRIMO 1000.

Wax Conditioning FAQ

What is wax conditioning in investment casting?

Wax conditioning means holding pattern wax at a uniform, controlled temperature long enough that the whole batch reaches the same temperature and consistency before injection. Uniform wax gives more repeatable injection from shot to shot. PRIMO Thermal Conditioning tanks are intended for gentler, stability-focused conditioning and long holds; a Standard PRIMO melts pattern wax and keeps a production-ready supply.

What temperature should pattern wax be held at?

Use the holding and injection temperatures on your wax supplier's technical data sheet, because they vary by wax grade and by whether you inject liquid or paste wax. Hold close to the working temperature rather than far above it, since long holds at excess temperature can darken or degrade some waxes. Standard PRIMO and Thermal Conditioning tanks run up to 212°F / 100°C with digital material-temperature control; an X-Treme configuration runs up to 400°F / 204°C.

How long should wax condition before injection?

Long enough for the full mass to reach a uniform temperature. That depends on batch size, the wax and its starting form (pellets, slabs or already molten), so larger batches often need several hours. Many wax rooms melt and condition ahead of the shift, then keep the tank at temperature while the presses run. Check the temperature at more than one depth before you start injecting.

Should filled pattern wax be stirred while it is held?

Filler can settle while wax sits molten, so slow, gentle agitation helps keep it evenly distributed. Avoid vigorous mixing that pulls air into the wax. EZ-MIX agitators fit Standard PRIMO melters: the EZ-MIX 350 ($1,950) for the PRIMO 250 and 350, and the EZ-MIX 1000 ($2,495) for the PRIMO 750 and 1000.

Can reclaimed wax be reused?

Often, after cleaning. Wax recovered from dewaxing usually carries water and shell residue, so it is commonly settled, drained and filtered first. Many foundries keep reclaim in its own tank and use it for runners, sprues and gating, or return it to the wax supplier for reconditioning, and keep it out of pattern wax unless the supplier approves.

Why remove water from reclaimed wax before reheating?

Water trapped in reclaimed wax can boil as the wax heats, causing foaming and spatter, and moisture left in the wax can cause defects in patterns. Let the wax settle, drain the water layer from the bottom and filter the wax before returning it to service.