New AFS White Paper Details 6 Parameters for Cost-Effective Metal Casting Design

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 18 /PRNewswire/ — The American Foundry Society (AFS) announces the release of “Six Parameters to Cost-Effective Metal Casting Design,” a white paper intended to help component designers understand the best combination of casting geometry, processes and alloys for cost-effective design.

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“The geometric freedom of the metalcasting process allows multiple parts assembled together to become a single cast component, enhancing the finished component’s material and mechanical properties and ultimately the end product’s effectiveness and productivity,” said Jerry Call, AFS executive vice president. “The key to success lies in a better understanding of the six key parameters that affect the relationship among geometry, various casting alloys and structure.”

The six parameters are:

    1.        Fluid Life
    2.        Solidification Shrinkage
                 Type (eutectic, directional and equiaxed)
                 Volume (small, medium, large)
    3.        Slag/Dross Formation Tendency
    4.        Pouring Temperature
    5.        Section Modulus (stiffness of casting geometry)
    6.        Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness of alloy itself)

The white paper includes examples of how to apply these parameters to component design; formulas for calculating stress, loads and stiffness; and a chart illustrating the application of the various principles to a specific part. The paper also lists resources for additional information. To obtain a copy of the white paper, visit www.afsinc.org/whitepapers.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., AFS is a not-for-profit technical and management society that has existed since 1896 to provide and promote knowledge and services that strengthen the metalcasting industry for the ultimate benefit of its customers and society.

SOURCE American Foundry Society