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Stimulating simulations!!!!

Investment castings offer the best solution to achieving near to shape parts, with a high degree of dimensional accuracy and good surface finish.
The investment casting process is technically involved and each manufacturing process stage needs to be controlled closely to achieve the benefits and to maintain the quality.

A key part of the initial design stage involves the use of bespoke casting simulation software, in conjunction with our Solidworks 3D CAD design software.

The simulation software numerically analyses the way in which the molten metal solidifies in the investment casting shell. Getting a good simulation result can be time consuming and may require a number of runs to achieve the optimum results; but this time is crucial, as once a good result is achieved, the resultant component will be free from shrinkage defects and porosity; and it will stay this way! If you fail to get it right, it will stay wrong, for ever and a day!

In achieving the optimised design for the investment casting it may be necessary to change a number of things from the feed, or ingate positions, their size and shape and number of, to the orientation of the casting, or even changes to the design of the part itself.

The Dean Group has used this simulation software now for many years. It is fundamental to the success and control of our manufacture and all parts, whether produced in Manchester or by our supply partners in China, go through the same procedure.

Posted: Tuesday 1st July 2008