handcast

Handcast refers to an object or material that has been shaped or formed by pouring it into a mold by hand. This contrasts with methods like machine casting or forging where automation or more forceful shaping techniques are employed. The term is often used in the context of crafts, art, and certain manufacturing processes where a personal touch or specific aesthetic is desired.

In artisanal practices, handcasting is common for creating items like decorative ceramics, soaps, candles, and jewelry. Artists meticulously prepare molds, which can be made from various materials such as silicone, plaster, or even sand, and then carefully pour molten or liquid material into them. The process allows for a high degree of control over the final product, enabling intricate details and unique finishes.

The term can also be applied to the casting of metals, where molten metal is poured into a mold by hand. While industrial metal casting often involves sophisticated machinery, handcasting is still practiced for small-scale production, prototypes, or when specific artistic effects are sought. The cooling and solidification of the material within the mold result in the final shape. The quality of a handcast item is often judged by the precision of the mold, the skill of the caster, and the nature of the material used.