Special Modeling Options: Defect Tracking
Final location of defects
in a lost foam casting
FLOW-3D’s defect tracking capabilities help casting engineers predict where defects are most likely to occur during the filling process. Entrapment of surface defect materials results from the joining of two surface fronts (folds or overlaps) and by the surface turbulence at the metal front. Upon becoming trapped, the defect continues to move with the flowing metal and may be dispersed to locations far removed from its origins.
To help lost foam casters to improve this sophisticated process, FLOW-3D has the unique capability to predict the formation of probable defects caused by trapped liquefied foam products during filling phase in the lost foam process. In the accompanying image, a distinct area of potential defects in a lost foam casting is shown.
Tracking of entrained air and oxide films are also included. In the two images below, areas of potential surface defects are readily identified. Read more in our Casting Tech Papers
Final location of oxide in high pressure die
casting at the end of the filling process