Foundry Complex | Art, Architecture, and Design Programs | SIU

The west building contains a furnace room with three in-ground crucible furnaces providing a total bronze pouring capacity in excess of 500 pounds. This is the largest academic pouring capacity in the region. A one-ton bridge crane is used for pouring metal and the production of large sand molds. A 400-pound capacity sand muller allows for easy production of sand molds. A drop bottom kiln and updraft kiln are used for lost wax processes. Two sandblasters are supported by a large compressor, which also provides compressed air to both buildings. The ceramic shell room is equipped with a 24-inch diameter shell tank, large stucco beds and a powerful air scrubbing system. The woodshop contains a 14-inch table saw, two band saws, chop saw, combination sander, dust collectors and numerous hand tools. A spacious wax working room is equipped with melting pots, wax working tools, a mold oven and lots of counter space.

The east building houses a metal fabrication shop that is equipped with two MIG welders, two stick welders, a TIG welder, a plasma cutter, oxy-acetylene equipment, a bench grinder, two shears, metal cutting band saw, heavy-duty cut off saw and a POS exhaust system. An exhausted spraying space, metal drilling station and second sand muller share space with large studio spaces for students and a faculty member.

A large lot between the buildings provides ample space for students to work outside and facilitates the Sculpture Department's annual iron pours.

Art Foundry Supervisor: Carey Netherton, cnetherton@siu.edu