Optimized Design of Feeding System for Complex Steel (CF8) Investment Casting to Improve Quality and Productivity

Casting simulation software provides solutions to foundry in predicting realistic hot spot location and designing appropriate feeding system to produce sound casting and maximize yield with reduced casting trials. In this study, various feeding configuration has been designed by changing number, size, shape and location of feed and compared with respect to casting soundness and material utilization using simulation software. Actual casting trials have been conducted to check the casting soundness and yield. Impact of feeding configuration on post casting operations also been studied. Single feed and double feed configuration provides high level hot spot with lower yield. Centre line feeding configuration applies multiple feed in different plane which affects surface finish and difficulty in degating operation. Application of three side feeders which are applied at exact location on part thickness gives compact configuration sound casting with improved yield.