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Metal casting shrink compensation???

Metal casting shrink compensation???

Metal casting shrink compensation???

(OP)
Is there an easy way to compensate for metal casting shrink?  Can I draw up my model / pattern to the desired size and then somehow increase volume by a specific percentage (around 10 – 5%) to compensate for shrinkage as the metal cools during casting?

I'm sure there has to be something to make this simple... but I'm only a casual Solidworks user so I'm unaware.  Any help would be appreciated.

I'm planning on design a few pieces is Solidworks.  CNCing them with a Tormach.  And then using them as patterns for basic sand casting with a mostly aluminum based alloy.

Also is there an easy way to generate patterns / mold objects from a Solidworks part that I've already made?  If someone could point me in the right direction on this or link me to a tutorial that would be awesome.

Thanks for the help, it's appreciated!

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

To compensate for shrinkage, model the finished part and then use the Scale tool from the Features toolbar.

"Also is there an easy way to generate patterns / mold objects from a Solidworks part that I've already made?"
Not sure what you mean?

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

(OP)
Thanks CorBlimeyLimey!

Regard my second question - How do I make a part that is a negative of a part I've already designed?  IE how do I make a 3D mold of a 3D part?

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

That's a bit more involved. Check out the Mold Design in the Help and Tutorial sections.

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

(OP)
lovely, thanks!

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

Just curious, why would you want to model the shrinkage? Why not model the final product only?

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

you can also use cavity command in Mold Tools, that will add shrinkage & create cavuty at the same time.

If it is a simple part(a flat parting line),Do not worry about all the steps in tutorial just model your die block, place component in the assembly in relation to die block & use this cavity command & you are set.

Remember both should be solid bodies.

Gud Luck

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

(OP)
Awesome guys thanks!

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

Design for the final product as ctopher suggested, if your company doesn't have a foundry in-house. Does your company cast in-house?  If you out sourcing the part to a foundry let them dictate the shrink factor. Every foundry will have a different calculation for shrink.

Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2008 SP 4.0
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

(OP)
It's just me playing around more then anything else. I have a little propane furnace setup that I'm using.  Surprisingly it works pretty decently.

Thanks for the tip though, that makes sense.

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

That's sounds like fun. Enjoy!

Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2008 SP 4.0
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer

RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???

Anytime you make the cavity for tooling, though, you'll want your shrink rate figured into the part before creating the cavity.  So for tooling, that's important.  Otherwise, I leave all my parts at actual size.

 

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people governed by fear cannot value freedom.

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