Optimization of a gating system by means of simulation software to eliminate cold shut defects in casting

Abstract

The current trend in foundries is to achieve the production of high quality and competitive cast components. The innovation and optimization of current processes is a necessary element to achieve this goal. With the help of numerical simulations, it is possible to replace financially demanding and time-consuming experiments in real conditions with simulations that can reliably represent foundry process using computer technology. By a detailed analysis of the simulation results, we can predict various risks that could negatively affect the production process. This article monitors the influence of changes in the design of the gating system on the surface quality of a clutch wheel casting made of ductile iron, in the production of which two models of the gating system for casting were constructed in CAD software. Verification of gating systems was performed using the simulation software NovaFlow & Solid. The aim of the design change of the gating system is to reduce the amount of liquid metal used per casting, which can have a significant economic impact on industrial production. For this purpose, several simulations of the gating system of the casting were performed, while 2 which are the most representative for the mentioned problem were selected for the needs of the article. The main task of the simulation was to set the cellular network and conditions as close as possible to the reality of casting and the subsequent design and modification of the gating system.