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!
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???
"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???
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???
RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???
RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???
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???
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???
RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???
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???
Thanks for the tip though, that makes sense.
RE: Metal casting shrink compensation???
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???
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people governed by fear cannot value freedom.