AutoCAST
Encyclopedia
AutoCAST is a software program for casting methods design, simulation and optimization. It uses geometric reasoning for automating the design of casting methods elements – cores, mold cavity layout, feeders, feedaids and gating channels. Fast and intelligent simulation technology is employed to visualize mold filling and casting solidification in near-real time. Foundry
engineers can quickly import a 3D model of cast part, create methods elements, simulate the casting, predict internal defects (like shrinkage porosity and sand inclusion), and modify the methods design to improve quality and yield. Product designers can improve the casting design for manufacturability
by minor modifications, such as fillets at junctions. This enables better compatibility between part requirements and process capability, leading to zero defects.
, supported by several Ph.D. and Masters-level researchers. It is maintained and supported by 3D Foundry Tech, a company incubated at the Institute. The software is currently used in over 60 organizations, including academic institutes and industry (especially, small and medium enterprises) in India.
Foundry
A foundry is a factory that produces metal castings. Metals are cast into shapes by melting them into a liquid, pouring the metal in a mold, and removing the mold material or casting after the metal has solidified as it cools. The most common metals processed are aluminum and cast iron...
engineers can quickly import a 3D model of cast part, create methods elements, simulate the casting, predict internal defects (like shrinkage porosity and sand inclusion), and modify the methods design to improve quality and yield. Product designers can improve the casting design for manufacturability
Design for manufacturability
Design for manufacturability - is the general engineering art of designing products in such a way that they are easy to manufacture. The basic idea exists in almost all engineering disciplines, but of course the details differ widely depending on the manufacturing technology...
by minor modifications, such as fillets at junctions. This enables better compatibility between part requirements and process capability, leading to zero defects.
Applications
The latest version AutoCAST-X incorporates many new innovations, including part thickness analysis, multi-cavity mold layout, multi-neck feeder design, vector element method for solidification simulation, automatic optimization of feeders and gating system, tooling cost estimation and methods report generation. The database includes all major metal families and casting processes; which can be customized to accommodate new alloys and mold materials.History
The software has a 20-year history of technology development at the Indian Institute of Technology BombayIndian Institute of Technology Bombay
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay , popularly known as IIT Bombay or IITB, is a public research university located in Powai, Mumbai...
, supported by several Ph.D. and Masters-level researchers. It is maintained and supported by 3D Foundry Tech, a company incubated at the Institute. The software is currently used in over 60 organizations, including academic institutes and industry (especially, small and medium enterprises) in India.