Definitions

Some Definitions

Some definitions for words used on this site. This is not an indepth list, rather some of the words I stumbled on as I learned more about metal moulds.

Boss - This is a raised piece on the back of the mould that is where the wooden handle is typically attached. A threaded boss has female threads inside of it 

D.R.G.M.- Is a german abbreviation for Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster. This is a German registration which officially recognized the design in all of the german states. This has nothing to do with the Third Reich as I have seen in more than a few eBay Sales.
D.R.G.M. registration began in 1891 up until 1949, D.R.G.M. marks can be found on products actually manufactured up until 1952 as the registration itself was valid for three years. Beginning the end of October 1952, all registrations were marked with 'Deutsches Bundesgebrauchsmuster' (D.B.G.M.) or simply with 'Gebrauchsmuster' or 'Gebrauchsmusterschutz'

Dross - the scum that forms on the top of liquid metal once you have melted it in preparation to pour moulds. This is normally scraped off prior to pouring as these impurities can clog up the pouring pathways of the mould

Flatted Shank - The tube like protrusion out of the back of the mould. would be threadless but have internal flat sides opposite each other.

Threaded Stud - the Threaded stud looks like a Boss with threads sticking out of it where the wooden handle is typically attached.

Registration Guides - These can be the "tabs" that stick out on virtually all of the rapaport moulds, the pins found in many bronze moulds, or even the "bumps and Dimples" found inside the American Craft Mfg. moulds. This ensures precise alignment and positioning of the two mould halves, making sure the model halve match up!

Zamak - Is an alloy of metals consisting typically of zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper. Many of the moulds that feel light and are a bright color are made of zamak.

Vise/Clamp - In the context of early metal moulds, the vise is actually a U shaped piece of metal that was the length of the mould it was sold with. The purpose is to hold the liquid metal in place during the pour as most of the early metal moulds had open bottoms and the "Stands" of the model being poured was not contained. 

Pig - A lead "Pig" is a chunk of lead metal that was used to melt down to make the models and typically had the manufacturers name on it. 

I will continue to add to this page as terms arise. If you would like me to add anything here, let me know in the comments section below!