Elimination of cracks in stainless steel casings via 3D printed sand molds with an internal topology structure

The important supporting component in a gas turbine is the casing,which has the characteristics of large size,complex structure,and thin wall.In the context of existing 3DP sand casting processes,casting crack defects are prone to occur.This leads to an increase in the scrap rate of casings,causing significant resource wastage.Additionally,the presence of cracks poses a significant safety hazard after the casings are put into service.The generation of different types of crack defects in stainless steel casings is closely related to casting stress and the high-temperature concession of the sand mold.Therefore,the types and causes of cracks in stainless steel casing products,based on their structural characteristics,were systematically analyzed.Various sand molds with different internal topology designs were printed using the 3DP technology to investigate the impact of sand mold structures on high-temperature concession.The optimal sand mold structure was used to cast casings,and the crack suppression effect was verified by analyzing its eddy current testing results.The experimental results indicate that the skeleton structure has an excellent effect on suppressing cracks in the casing.This research holds important theoretical and engineering significance in improving the quality of casing castings and reducing production costs.

Insulation effect of air cavity in sand mold using 3D printing technology

The insulation effect of the air cavity surrounding the riser in a 3D printed sand mold was studied. The influence of the air cavity on heat flux was theoretically analyzed. The results demonstrated that the heat flux of the air cavity in the 3D printed sand mold was significantly less than that of resin-bonded sand. The insulation effect of the air cavity in sand molds for a cylinder casting and a stress-frame casting were simulated using software COMSOL. The results illustrated that the air cavity could be used to insulate the riser and it was more suitable for a lower melting point metal casting. An air cavity with 10-15 mm width and 5-10 mm away from the riser can significantly prolong the solidification of the riser by over 10%. Meanwhile, the sand mold for the stressframe was made by 3D printing technology and poured with aluminum alloy A356 melt. The experiment results showed that the presence of the air cavity led to a 12.5% increase of the solidification time of its riser.

Coating process of multi-material composite sand mold 3D printing

Sand mold 3 D printing technology is an advanced manufacturing technology which has great flexible manufacturing ability. A multi-material composite sand mold can control the temperature field of metallic parts during the pouring process, while the current sand mold 3 D printing technology can only fabricate a single material sand mold. The casting temperature field can not be adjusted by using single sand mold material with isotropous heat exchange ability during the pouring process. In this work, a kind of novel coating device was designed. Multi-material composite sand molds could be manufactured using the coating device according to the casting process demands of the final parts. The influences of curing agent content, coating velocity and scraper shape on compactness and surface roughness of the sand layer(silica sand and zircon sand) were studied. The shapes and sizes of transition intervals of two kinds of sand granules were also tested. The results show that, with the increase of the added volume of curing agent, the compactness of sand layer reduces and the surface roughness value rises. With the increase of the velocity of the coating device, the compactness of sand layer reduces and the surface roughness value rises similarly. In addition, the scraper with a dip angle of 72 degrees could increase the compactness value of the sand layer. The criteria of quality parmeters of the coating procedure are obtained. That is, the surface roughness(δ) of sand layer should be equal to or lesser than half of main size of the sand particles(Dm). The parameter H of the coating device which is the distance between the base of hopper and the surface of sand layer impacts the size of transition zone. The width of the transition zone is in direct proportion to the parameter H, qualitatively. Through the optimization of the coating device, high quality of multi-material sand layers can be obtained. This will provide a solution in manufacturing the multi-material composite sand mold.

Cooling control for castings by adopting skeletal sand mold design

The cooling control of the melt during the casting process is of great significance. A comprehensive closed-loop cooling control of castings by adopting a skeletal sand mold design was proposed. The skeletal sand mold consisting of an adaptive shell, functional cavities and a support was designed and created based on the finite difference meshes of a casting. It was applied to a round wall test casting. Two kinds of skeletal sand molds, one with lattice support and the other with enforcing ribs for this casting were designed and printed out by the 3 D printing(3 DP) method. Aluminum alloy A356 was cast by using these two sand molds. The first mold was cooled by natural convection, the other one by water spray cooling. Two sound castings were obtained. The sand mold temperature, cooling curves, microstructures, mechanical properties, residual stress and deformation were measured, compared and discussed. Water spray cooling hastened the cooling rate by 62%, increased the content of Mg and Cu in the α-Al matrix, improved the mechanical properties, and altered the surface residual stress state.

Thermal stress analysis method considering geometric effect of risers in sand mold casting process

Solidif ication and f luid f low analysis using computer simulation is a current common practice. There is also a high demand for thermal stress analysis in the casting process because casting engineers want to control the defects related to thermal stresses, such as large deformation and crack generation during casting. The riser system is an essential part of preventing the shrinkage defects in the casting process, and it has a great inf luence on thermal phenomena. The analysis domain is dramatically expanded by attaching the riser system to a casting product due to its large volume, and it makes FEM mesh generation diff icult. However, it is diff icult to study and solve the above proposed problem caused by riser system using traditional analysis methods which use single numerical method such as FEM or FDM. In this paper, some research information is presented on the effects of the riser system on thermal stress analysis using a FDM/FEM hybrid method in the casting process simulation. The results show the optimal conditions for stress analysis of the riser model in order to save computation time and memory resources.

Simulation and experimental research on extra-squeeze forming method during gradient sand molding

The flexible extrusion forming process (FEFP) is a sand mold patternless manufacturing technology that enables digital near-net shaping of complex sand molds. But, it is difficult to achieve the gradient sand molds with high surface strength and strong interior permeability by FEFP. To solve this problem, an extra-squeeze forming method based on FEFP for gradient sand mold was developed. To further reveal the extra-squeeze forming mechanism, based on the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory and “gluing” notions, the single and double-sided squeeze models of gradient sand molds were established using the EDEM software. The squeezing processes of sand molds with different cavity depths of 60, 100, 140, 180, and 220 mm were systemically studied under single and double-sided squeeze conditions. The variation in the void fraction of sand mold as also investigated at a variety of extra-squeeze distances of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm, respectively. Simulation and test results show that a deeper cavity depth weakens the extrusion force transmission, which leads to a decrease in strength. The sand mold permeability and void fraction are identified to be positively correlated, while the tensile strength and void fraction appear to be negatively correlated. The void fraction of sand molds decreases with a longer extra-squeeze distance. A 6 mm extra-squeeze distance for the sand mold with 220 mm cavity depth results in a 26.8% increase in tensile strength with only a 5.7% reduction in the permeability. Hence, the extra- squeeze forming method can improve the quality of the sand mold by producing a gradient sand mold with high surface strength and strong interior permeability.

Shrinkage Behaviour of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron in Green and Dry Sand Molds for the Benchmarking of Solidification Simulation

The effects of metallurgical and processing parameters on the formation of shrinkage cavities and porosities in spheroidal graphite cast iron have been studied, considering the parameters of carbon equivalent, inoculation, casting modulus, mold type (green or dry) and pouring temperature within specific ranges of these variables. Based on the orthogonal experiments, the metallurgical and processing parameters of the minimum casting shrinkage and the maximum casting shrinkage were obtained, and the effects of metallurgical and processing parameters on the formation of shrinkage cavities and porosities in spheroids graphite cast iron castings were discussed. Finally, two regression equations relating these variables to the formation of shrinkage porosity were derived based upon the orthogonal experiments conducted.

Method for near-net forming of a sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology

In order to further improve the precision forming efficiency of a sand mold digital patternless casting and reduce the amount of sand mold cutting, a method for near-net forming of the sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology was put forward. The theory, optimization algorithm and technology for sand mold nearnet forming were studied. Experimental results show that the sand mold forming efficiency can be increased by 34%, and the molding sand can be reduced by 44%. The method for near-net forming of a sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology can effectively promote the application of digital patternless casting technology in the mass production of castings and thus greatly improves the efficiency and automation of sand mold manufacturing.

Research on the macro-and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand mold based on Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding model

In this study,macro-and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand molds were discussed based on the Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding(HMB)model.Plackett-Burman,steepest ascent,and central composite designs were utilized to propose a parameter calibration methodology.The effects of mesoscopic parameter variations on the compressive strength and average gradient of stress-strain were investigated through response surface method analysis.Results showed that the relative error between the simulated and measured repose angle is 3.1%under calibrated intrinsic contact parameters.The compressive strength and average stress-strain gradient primarily depend on the normal and shear stiffness per unit area,as well as the particle size and porosity of the silica sand.Furthermore,taking load-displacement curves of three frozen sand molds with different geometric characteristics as the target value,the reliability and effectiveness of the frozen sand mold HMB model were verified through uniaxial compression tests and discrete element simulations.

Non-Darcy Flow in Molding Sands

Darcy’s law is widely used to describe the flow in porous media in which there is a linear relationship between fluid velocity and pressure gradient. However, it has been found that for high numbers of Reynolds this law ceases to be valid. In this work, the Ergun equation is employed to consider the non-linearity of air velocity with the pressure gradient in casting sands. The contribution of non-linearity to the total flow in terms of a variable defined as a non-Darcy flow fraction is numerically quantified. In addition, the influence of the shape factor of the sand grains on the non-linear flow fraction is analyzed. It is found that for values of the Reynolds number less or equal than 1, the contribution of non-linearity for spherical particles is around 1.15%.

Rapid Manufacturing of Sand Molds by Direct Milling

Direct milling of sand molds is an important development in rapid manufacturing of sand molds. Direct milling is an effective method for manufacturing single or small batches of cast parts. This paper describes experimental investigations to find sand blocks with the appropriate strength, to describe wear patterns of different tools (high-speed steel (HSS), carbide, and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools), and to analyze sand mold cutting mechanisms. The results show that the PCD tool outperformes the other tools in terms of tool life. Average flank wear and micro-tipping are the dominant tool failure modes in the sand mold milling process. With a flank wear limit of 0.3 mm, the PCD tool works continuously for about 70 h under the experimental conditions. The experimental results show that the cutting mechanism for direct milling sand molds differs from metal cutting.

An innovative tester system for measuring mechanical property of foundry molding sand

A new intelligent tester system for measuring multiple mechanical properties of foundry molding sand is introduced and has been patented for the invention in China. The testing process can be simultaneously controlled with a build-in chip microcomputer communicating with a PC through a serial port. The testing system applies dynamic testing technology. During the measurement for compression, relaxation, shearing and tensile processes of sand specimens, the corresponding characteristic curves and eight mechanical property parameters can be obtained in a short time, simply by consecutively testing on four sand specimens. The properties and parameters to be measurable by the tester include compressive strength, elastic modulus, plastic deformation threshold, springback potential, shear strength, shear deformation limit, toughness and tensile strength. These properties and parameters for sand specimens can be defined as the corresponding characteristic curves with precise physical meanings, carried out by the tester, Two of them, namely plastic deformation threshold and springback potential, as well as their testing methods, have been invented for the first time. The testing system applying advanced data measurement technology as well as performing excellent functions is an important breakthrough and creativity in foundry molding sand property testing field. The parameters acquired by the testing system are stable, accurate and reliable. The test data can be instantly displayed or printed out or stored in the PC. As evidence, many experimental data obtained by the tester practically from both laboratory and foundry floor tests indicate that the tester system can be widely applied in foundry industry.

结构对SLS砂型次级烧结区的影响及其控制工艺研究

设计了一种包含多种常见结构的精度测试件,用于探究结构对SLS打印的砂型成形精度的影响。通过打印和尺寸测量发现,纵向椭圆结构和圆孔的次级烧结相对其他结构更加严重,且存在方向性差异。采用低密度多道次的扫描方法,相较于常规扫描方法,在0.1 J·mm·s^(-2)的总能量密度下可以将国标鼓形件的精度等级从无评级提高至5级,筋板的尺寸偏差降低到0.072 mm,显著改善了砂型的尺寸精度。

多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺研究

目的针对复杂薄壁铸件高性能制造难题,本研究提出多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺,实现多材料砂型的整体成形。方法基于多材料砂型增材制造振动铺砂装置,通过优化固化剂含量、铺砂器开口宽度和振动频率,实现两种型砂材料的定量落砂。通过显微镜扫描表征和图像处理,系统地研究了在不同铺砂速度下的铺砂质量和型砂层厚变化规律。结果在一定范围内,固化剂含量的增大会减小落砂流量,铺砂器开口宽度与振动频率的增加均提高落砂流量,当硅砂固化剂含量为2.3wt.‰、铬铁矿砂固化剂含量为2wt.‰、铺砂器开口宽度为2mm、振动频率为500Hz时,两种型砂落砂流量相等;在此基础上,铺砂速度提高会增加模糊长度,降低铺砂界面连接处和铺砂末端粗糙度。当铺砂速度为53.92mm/s时,实现0.6mm层厚的多材料稳定持续铺砂,界面连接效果好、铺砂精度高。结论本研究突破多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺,实现多材料砂型多区域定量均匀铺砂。

水基涂料涂覆工艺对3D打印砂型表面质量影响的研究

以涂料波美度、单次浸涂时间、浸涂次数等工艺参数为影响因素,设计了水基涂料浸涂正交试验,研究了以上因素对3D打印砂型表面粗糙度、涂料层厚度以及涂料层厚度均匀度的影响,得到水基涂料浸涂最佳工艺。采用该工艺,涂层表面粗糙度可以达到Ra3.2~Ra6.3,涂层厚度0.3~0.35 mm,且涂层均匀度好。实际验证铸件表面粗糙度可以达到Ra6.3。

湿型砂铸造中的旧砂微粉回用工艺

针对湿型砂铸造中旧砂循环混配再利用时型砂综合性能欠佳,铸件砂眼、夹砂结疤的缺陷率高,铸件质量不稳定等问题,对型砂进行了检测和数据分析,通过对双盘冷却机旋风分离后的微粉进行充分回用,调节了型砂粒度分布,改善了型砂中微粉含量比例,保证了型砂性能相对稳定受控,降低了混砂辅料用量比例,节约了生产成本,降低了型砂对水分的敏感性,促进了改善型砂流动性,提升了型砂综合性能和铸型质量,有效降低了铸件产生砂眼、夹砂结疤缺陷的风险。

砂型3D打印技术在航空发动机领域的研究与应用

随着航空工业的快速发展,行业对航空发动机的性能和制造效率提出了更高要求。传统的砂型铸造方法已难以满足现代航空发动机复杂结构的制造需求。砂型3D打印技术作为一种新兴的快速成型技术,以其高效、灵活、精确的特点,为航空发动机的设计和制造带来了革命性的变革。本文综述了砂型3D打印技术的原理、优势及其在航空发动机领域的应用现状;分析了目前砂型3D打印技术在航空发动机领域应用存在的问题,并提出了相应的解决措施;通过应用案例分析,强调了砂型3D打印技术在提高航空发动机生产效率和质量方面的重要性。最后,对砂型3D打印技术在航空发动机行业领域的未来发展趋势进行了展望。

冷冻砂型数控加工气动辅助精确排砂方法

在冷冻砂型数控(Computerized numerical control,CNC)加工过程中,有效排出切削砂坯产生的砂粒是确保砂型成形质量的关键技术之一。本文基于计算流体力学方法,对环绕阵列式射流喷吹的排砂方式进行了数值模拟,分析了射流流量、靶距、俯角和口径对型腔周围流场的影响。设计数控加工正交实验并对排砂率进行了极差分析,验证了仿真的结果。研究表明,环绕阵列式高速射流在刀具柱面和型腔壁面上会形成稳定贴附,输送砂粒的主要区域为射流在型腔壁面形成的“排砂区”。仿真与实验结果均表明最佳排砂工艺参数为射流流量30 L/min、靶距45 mm、俯角65°和口径2 mm,其中射流流量的影响最为显著,其次是射流喷嘴口径、俯角和靶距。本文结果可为排砂装置及工艺参数优化提供指导。

砂型增材制造多轮廓自适应切片算法

为进一步实现砂型3D打印高效率和高精度成形,开展砂型输出立体光刻(Stereolithography,STL)模型法向量和单位化预处理研究,提取复杂结构多轮廓砂型内部轮廓,提出砂型3D打印每层三角面片单位法向量|Z|最大值的自适应分层厚度准则,实现兼顾沿打印方向和水平方向不同曲率轮廓STL模型高精度分层,最后基于MATLAB开发平台编写砂型多轮廓自适应测试程序,对复杂泵壳砂型/砂芯STL模型进行切片测试。实验结果表明,采用自适应切片算法可以显著提高砂型打印成形精度的同时提高成形效率,对砂型3D打印具有重要理论价值和工程意义。

多材料砂型增材制造层间加热与压实整体成形工艺研究

目的针对砂型打印过程中存在层间结合力差和树脂含量与发气量难以协调等问题,提出多材料砂型增材制造层间加热与压实整体成形工艺,实现多材料砂型的高性能制造。方法基于多材料砂型加热压实一体化成形装置,通过优化匹配辊轮旋转速度、辊轮直径和加热温度等加热压实一体化成形工艺参数,实现对砂型力学性能的精确调控,并通过铸造试验进行应用验证。结果通过自旋辊轮压实的方式辅助铺砂,当辊轮直径为60 mm、辊轮转速为3 r/s时,铺砂效果最好,砂型强度最高,砂型透气性满足铸造需求;针对1.5 mm厚度的具有片层堆叠结构的复合砂型,优选出层间加热压实一体化成形工艺参数如下:层间加热温度为150℃,辊轮直径为60 mm,辊轮转速为2 r/s。验证了采用层间加热压实一体化成形工艺可制备高质量的多材料复合砂型,砂型与铸件均具有良好的尺寸精度和性能,1.5 mm片层堆叠结构的复合铸型及其铸件尺寸精度较高,铸件晶粒细化效果明显、力学性能优异。结论通过多材料砂型增材制造层间加热与压实整体成形工艺研究,协调了高强度砂型的发气量和树脂量,进一步推动砂型增材制造技术向绿色化、柔性化和高性能制造方向创新发展。