The casting process

Casting the bell

Now follows the most exciting phase of the production process when the molten metal is poured into the mould at a temperature of approximately 1100C. As soon as the bell has cooled down, it is removed from the mould and cleaned. The first stroke will give an immediate indication of the timbre. It is now that the preparations of anything up to several weeks will be proved successful. The sound is determined by both the composition of the bell bronze (80% copper and 20% tin) and the casting method.

Bronze at about 1100°C being poured into the mould.

After days of cooling, the bronze bell can be removed from the mould.

The work in the foundry is completed. The bell is now ready for polishing and tuning.