Although several commercial computer simulation codes for casting processes have been developed so far, they are not enough for practical use in foundries. Because most of foundries are relatively small, they can't afford to introduce expensive CAE systems nor to develop an original software by themselves. A CAE system for foundries should have enough user friendly functions with reasonable cost. The support systems such as help desk and daily Q/A services by software vendors are also important Furthermore, version up is desired at regular intervals. If these necessary conditions are satisfied, this kind of CAE system can be used even in a small foundry as a concurrent engineering tool to communicate between mechanical designers and casting engineers. A new computer simulation system named "JS-CAST" was developed to be useful in small foundries with the financial support of Japan Small Business Corporation, which is one of the government organizations. The system which is hardware independent consists of pre-. main-, post-processor. CAD data interfaces and a weight calculation module. Mold filling and Solidification problems can be simulated. User friendly operation using GUI (Graphical User Interface) is especially emphasized. In this paper, necessary conditions of CAE systems for casting engineers are firstly discussed. Secondly, the functions of "JS-CAST' developed by considering these conditions are described with some examples applied to practical castings.
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