COMPUTER-AIDED-DESIGN OF FEEDERS FOR CASTINGS

This paper describes a software module, contained within a design-for- casting package, which aids the user in designing efficient feeding sy stems for castings. The user can choose a shape suitable for a particu lar casting condition from a file containing a variety of feeder head types. The feeder heads are placed relative to the casting in position s appropriate to hot spots identified by a 'heat centre' module within the package. The number and size of heads are chosen with the aid of built-in rules that aid the user. The module provides a rationale for people, both skilled and unskilled, who have to design for casting. Th e validity of the design rules and guidelines within the module is dem onstrated by casting three widely different shapes with and without fe eders.