Casting Design
Our methods engineers and metallurgists are able to advise customers on how best to design their cast steel products to achieve the best combination of function, strength, cost and ease of manufacture. This involves the use of the most advanced software including:
- Solidworks
- MagmaSoft
- MagmaStress
3D models are created using Solidworks to show the 'as cast' design and these are then utilised to carry out Magmasoft mould fill and solidification simulations. The simulation results show whether the chosen casting method will give rise to any internal defects during solidification. This enables us to refine our method to eliminate this type of potential defect prior to production.
Magmasoft is used in conjunction with Magmastress, a simulation program which calculates stresses within the as-cast component during cooling in the mould. This enables the finished geometry of the component to be optimised through moulding and subsequent processing including heat treatment.
We then use the best possible foundry practices to control the many process variables to achieve the highest level of 'as cast' quality. This enables us to achieve short production times and keep a tight control over manufacturing costs.