CASTING PROCESS MODELING
ROUND-UP
Metal flow modeling software programs available to casting designers aid in
cost-effective design for manufacturability. SHANNON WETZEL, SENIOR EDITOR
C
asting process modeling has been used for decades by large automotive companies and high volume casting facilities to improve casting quality and streamline the design process. But the benefits of the software can translate to smaller OEMs, too. Metalcasting facilities often use modeling re- sults to assure customers that a proposed design change will result in a successfully cast part. On a similar token, casting designers have
started using process modeling software themselves to verify initial rough designs for their castability. The software can also aid in casting process
SOLIDCast, FLOWCast and OPTICast
Finite Solutions Inc. 4769 Highland Park Dr. Slinger, WI 53086-9441 Tel: 262-644-0785 Website:
www.finitesolutions.com Email:
dave@finitesolutions.com
Entry Price Point: $17,500 for
SOLIDCast, $12,000 for FLOW- Cast and $8,000 for OPTICast. Price includes site licenses, technical support and updating for one year. Overview: More than 660
companies and schools use SOLID- Cast around the world. It includes
solidification analysis, plus integrated gating and riser design functions. FLOWCast uses computational fluid- dynamics-based analyses to predict and correct filling-related problems. OPTICast is an automatic casting process optimizer, most commonly used to improve casting yield while guaranteeing casting quality. Newest Features: Te software
now offers multiple language support, full compatability with a Windows version in native modes and simulta- neous operation of multiple solidifica- tion and fluid flow analyses.
38 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Sept/Oct 2011 Software’s Strengths: Finite Solu-
tions products are suitable for any gravity-pouring process, such as sand, investment or permanent mold cast- ing, and any material, with an empha- sis on cast irons. What’s Unique: Integrated gating
and riser design functions allow the system to use simulation results to help the user create effective rigging design beyond testing an existing pattern layout. Site licensing allows the software to be installed and run simultaneously on any or all machines at a given plant.
selection, illustrating the time, yield and quality associated with casting a design in one process vs. another. Metal Casting Design & Pur-
chasing recently surveyed several companies offering casting process modeling software. The following is a wrap-up of eight versions of metal flow modeling, including their newest features, strengths and unique capabilities.
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