Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Optimal gating system design for investment casting of sterling silver by computer-assisted simulation

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The first requirement of all casting processes is complete filling without any defects after solidification. However, casting defects often occur in casting processes, especially incomplete filling. The causes of incomplete filling are related to poor gating system, incorrect pouring, and molding temperature. A suitable shape and dimension of gating system will increase the melt flow while it is feeding into mold cavity by eliminating excessive pouring and molding temperature. The objective of this study is to develop a new design of gating system for eliminating incomplete filling. The new shape and dimension of pouring cup, main sprue, and sprue base are proposed and investigated. The computational flow model is solved with the aid of computer simulation. The targets of an optimum solution are increasing the efficiency of metal flow and reducing turbulence. The experiments are conducted to validate the simulation data. The results of this study will aid in the elimination of casting defects and increase the productivity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Fuoco R, Correa ER (2003) The effect of gating system design on the quality of aluminum gravity casting. Proceedings from the AFS International conference on Structure Aluminum Casting, Orlando, pp. 205–224

  2. Chan D et al (1997) The effect of sprue design on the roughness and porosity of titanium castings. J Prosthet Dent 78(4):400–404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Solidum H (1996) Hollow tree casting technology. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 535–557

  4. Grice S, Cart CJ (2000) I’m dreaming of a white gold Christmas bonus. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 117–145

  5. Desai KD, Raghav R (2005) Innovative lost wax investment casting process. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 193–214

  6. Shamasundar S et al (2003) Computer aided methoding and simulation for the investment casting process using ProCAST. Proceedings of the National Conference on Investment Casting (NCIC 2003), New Delhi, pp. 70–74

  7. Wu M et al (2001) Application of laser measuring, numerical simulation and rapid prototyping to titanium dental castings. Dent Mater 17:102–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Wright JC (2005) Computer simulation and jewelry production. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 521–535

  9. Grande MA et al (2007) Computer simulation of the investment casting process: Widening of the filling step. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 1–16

  10. Fischer-Bühner J (2007) Advances in the prevention of investment casting defects assisted by computer simulation. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, pp. 149–172

  11. Fischer-Bühner J (2006) Computer simulation of jewelry investment casting. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, pp193–216

  12. Bell E (2002) Sprues, feed sprues and gates. Gold Technol (36):1–11

  13. Beeley PR (1972) Foundry technology. London Butterworths, England, pp 24–25

    Google Scholar 

  14. Thomas BG (2003) Modeling of continuous casting. Chapter 5 in Making shaping and treating of steel, 11th edn, vol. 5. In: A. Cramb (ed) Casting volume, AISE Steel Foundation, Pittsburgh, pp. 5.1–5.24

  15. Reilly C et al (2012) The present state of modeling entrainment defects in the shape casting process. Applied Mathematical Modelling. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/apm Accessed 26 June 2012

  16. Bounds G et al (2000) A computational model for defect prediction in shape castings base on the interaction of free surface flow, heat transfer, and solidification phenomena. Metall Mater Trans B 31B:515–527

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Technology, Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology, GPO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

    N. Thammachot & E. L. J. Bohez

  2. National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), 114, Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

    P. Dulyapraphant

Authors
  1. N. Thammachot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Dulyapraphant
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E. L. J. Bohez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Thammachot.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Thammachot, N., Dulyapraphant, P. & Bohez, E.L.J. Optimal gating system design for investment casting of sterling silver by computer-assisted simulation. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 67, 797–810 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-012-4523-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-012-4523-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation