Modeling of casting processes has provided foundry engineers with many tools that can be used during the design of gating system and feeders for efficient feeding. Modeling software can now simulate mold filling, heat transfer during mold filling and subsequent solidification of the casting. Such software can often predict microstructure and even the location of mold filling defects. These advances have been welcomed by the casting community, which in turn has shown concomitant improvement in casting quality and process reliability. Nevertheless, the initial task of determining the location and size of optimum feeders is still the responsibility of the foundry methods engineer. This task becomes difficult with increasing complexity of the casting shape, as potential feeder location, size and shape is still required prior to use of modeling software. Consequently, databases that provide information on optimal feeder shape and size as a function of the casting section to be fed are likely to be useful in helping the methods engineer as a starting point in his/her simulation. For long freezing range alloys the optimum feeder shape and size can then be fine tuned by evaluating criteria functions calculated by the use of modeling software.
展开▼
