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.
