Study on Solidification Behavior of Aluminium alloy (LM6) Castings by using Computer aided Simulation software

Method layout of a casting is an important aspect of tooling development. It involves decisions regarding part orientation in mould, parting line, cores, cavity layout, feeders, neck and gating system. An improper method layout leads either poor quality or low yield, which affects the productivity. Method design is mostly carried out manually, using 2D drawing of the cast part. Then tooling is fabricated the sample castings are produced to 3-4 trials which involves lot of production cost in the from of wastage of manpower, time and hamper the day to day schedule of the particular production. Computer simulation provides a clear insight regarding the location and extent of internal defects, ensuring casting are right as first time and every time. In the present study plate castings were considered to study the solidification behavior of Aluminium Alloy (LM6) at different sizes of riser and riser neck. The VEM based casting simulation software is used to study the solidification behavior of above castings. The simulated results were compared with the experimental results. It is expected that this work will be of immense importance equally to the academicians as well as to the industrial methoding engineers.