Quantitative feeder design for metal castings

Abstract

Casting simulation packages are used to check a design for its castability. A better starting design should need fewer simulation cycles to arrive at a defect-free component thus cutting computation and manpower costs. Quantitative design of the feeding system is done by an analysis of the solidification pattern of the 3D model of the cast component. A clustering algorithm uses the solidification time/temperature data from the simulation to divide the casting into 3D feeding sections. The sections are created by following hotspots surrounded by areas of decreasing solidification time. Feeders are built by the feeder design module of AutoCAST casting design software. The initial simulation as well as the efficacy of the rigging is tested through the advanced simulation module FLOW+ of AutoCAST X. An industrial case study illustrates the software pipeline in a virtual foundry trial.