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.

Investigation of bubbles escape behavior from low basicity mold flux for high-Mn high-Al steels using 3D X-ray microscope

During the continuous casting process of high-Mn high-Al steels,various types of gases such as Ar need to escape through the top of the mold.In which,the behavior of bubbles traversing the liquid slag serves as a restrictive link,closely associated with viscosity and the thickness of liquid slag.In contrast to two-dimensional surface observation,three-dimensional(3D)analysis method can offer a more intuitive,accurate,and comprehensive information.Therefore,this study employs a 3D X-ray microscope(3D-XRM)to obtained spatial distribution and 3D morphological characteristics of residual bubbles in mold flux under different basicity of liquid slag,different temperatures,and different holding times.The results indicate that as basicity of slag increases from 0.52 to 1.03,temperature increases from 1423 to 1573 K,the viscosity of slag decreases,the floating rate of bubbles increases.In addition,when holding time increases from 10 to 30 s,the bubbles floating distance increases,and the volume fraction and average equivalent sphere diameter of the bubbles solidified in the mold flux gradually decreases.In one word,increasing the basicity,temperature,and holding time leading to an increase in the removal rate of bubbles especially for the large.These findings of bubbles escape behavior provide valuable insights into optimizing low basicity mold flux for high-Mn high-Al steels.

基于 Moldflow 的汽车中控台框架翘曲变形分析及优化

以某汽车中控台框架为研究对象,测量试模样品发现其翘曲变形量超过了装配要求。通过Moldflow软件模拟了该塑件实际的注塑过程,翘曲变形量的模拟值与实测平均值的最大误差为5.98%,发现该塑件翘曲变形的主要因素为冷却不均和收缩不均。本文在原物料中添加质量分数为25%的玻璃纤维以及优化工艺参数后,翘曲变形量的模拟值与初始方案相比降低了86.22%。试模验证表明,优化后的翘曲变形量模拟值与实测平均值的最大误差为4.35%,证明了Moldflow软件模拟分析的准确性。试模后各检测点的最大翘曲变形量降到了1.6 mm以下,较优化之前降低了80%以上,为类似大型复杂注塑件的翘曲变形分析及优化提供了思路。

基于Moldflow的徽章注塑模具设计

结合工艺品徽章塑件外观结构紧凑、表面分布大量1 mm文字凸起的结构特点,设计了1套1模4腔的注塑模具。为保证塑件的外观质量,重点分析影响外观质量的浇口疤痕尺寸、充填完整无短射、体积收缩均匀无缩痕3个因素。结合Moldflow软件仿真模拟确定了采用直径为0.6 mm的点浇口,并且,在该基础上,通过优化工艺参数,减少体积收缩率和充填不完整的现象。然后,对模具的分型面、定模型芯、动模型腔、点浇口浇注系统和脱模机构进行结构设计,由于徽章塑件外观结构紧凑,采用2根直径为5 mm和6根直径为3 mm的推杆实现产品的脱模。最后,经实际生产验证,4个型腔充填均匀完整,塑件外观质量较好。采用Moldflow软件成型分析能显著提升注塑模具的设计效率及塑件的成型质量。

Reaction between Ti and boron nitride based investment shell molds used for casting titanium alloys

The aim of this paper was to study the reaction between a Ti-6Al-4V alloy and boron nitride based investment shell molds used for investment casting titanium. In BN based investment shell molds, the face coatings are made of pretreated hexagonal boron nitride （hBN） with a few yttria （Y2O3） and colloidal yttria as binder. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy was melted in a controlled atmosphere induction furnace with a segment water-cooled copper crucible. The cross-section of reaction interface between Ti alloys and shell mold was investigated by electron probe micro-analyzer （EPMA） and microhardness tester. The results show that the reaction is not serious, the thickness of the reacting layer is about 30-50 μm, and the thickness of α-case is about 180-200 pro. Moreover the α-case formation mechanism was also discussed.

Research progress on refractory composition and deformability of shell molds for TiAl alloy castings

At present, most TiAl components are produced by an investment casting process. Environmental and economic pressures have, however, resulted in a need for the industry to improve the current casting quality, reduce manufacturing costs and explore new markets for the process. Currently, the main problems for investment casting of TiAl alloys are cracks, porosities, and surface defects. To solve these problems, many studies have been conducted around the world, and it is found that casting defects can be reduced by improving composition and properties of the shell molds. It is important to make a summary for the related research progress for quality improvement of TiAl castings. So, the development on refractory composition of shell molds for TiAl alloy investment castings was reviewed, and research progress on deformability of shell mold for TiAl alloy castings both at home and abroad in recent years was introduced. The existing methods for deformability characterization and methods for improving the deformability of shell molds were summarized and discussed. The updated advancement in numerical simulation of TiAl alloy investment casting was presented, showing the necessity for considering the deformability of shell mold during simulation. Finally, possible research points for future studies on deformability of shell mold for TiAl alloy investment casting were proposed.

Effect of microstructure on the impact toughness of a bainitic steel bloom for large plastic molds

The correlation between the impact toughness and microstructural characteristics of a large bainitic steel bloom has been investigated. The study focuses on microcrack nucleation and propagation in the basic cleavage plane. To analyze the phase transformation during the wind-cooling process, the temperature field of the bloom was acquired by computer simulation, and a continuous cooling transformation experiment was conducted. The results show that compared with the surface of the bloom, the toughness of the bloom’s core is decreased by the increase in proeutectoid ferrite and the coarsening of tempered martensite–austenite constituents. The proeutectoid ferrite decreases the toughness via its effects on carbide precipitation, the formation of martensite–austenite constituents, and the bainite transformation. The relatively large tempered martensite–austenite constituents are conducive to microcrack nucleation and propagation.

Influence of submerged entry nozzle clogging on the behavior of molten steel in continuously cast slab molds

The influence of submerged entry nozzle clogging on the behavior of molten steel in continuously cast slab molds was studied using commercial code CFX4.3. The results indicate that clogging at the top part of the nozzle port not only increases the velocity of molten steel, but also enhances the wall shear stress, F number and heat flux. This clogging has the greatest effect on the behavior of molten steel. However, clogging at the top 1/3 of the nozzle only increases the velocity of molten steel and has little influence. Clogging at the bottom of the nozzle almost has no influence.

Flow and Temperature Fields in Slab Continuous Casting Molds

In order to develop super-board and super-thick slabs, the flow and temperatur fields were studied in slab continuous casting molds under different practical conditions, such as slab dimensions, with-drawing slab speed, design of nozzles, and superheat tempera-ture. The results showed that it is preferred to incline nozzle bores downwards and the submerged depth of the nozzles is best kept be-tween 250-300 mm. In addition, the solidified shell is thicker at the wide face than that at the narrow face, while the thin points alongthe wide face ekist both in the center and in the some area toward each respective end.

Progress in the application of cold gas dynamic spraying to repairing continuous casting molds

A new continuous casting mold repairing method--cold gas dynamic spraying （CGDS） is introduced. The study investigates the advantages of the CGDS process regarding repairing operation, such as convenient, in-situ repairation,little heat delivery, microstructural and dimensional stability and other special applications. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the copper alloy coating, nickel coating, ceramic composite coating, and their interface to the substrates ,which are usually used in repairing operation have been researched by means of optical microscopy （ OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and micro-hardness tests. Experimental results have demonstrated the relative density of the copper alloy coating is as high as 98.7%, and that no obvious difference can be observed between the CrZrCu substrate and the Cu alloy coating in terms of microstructures; thus the interface is quite difficult to be identified. The bonding strength and micro-hardness of the Cu alloy coating reach up to 37 MPa and 310 HV0.2 ,respectively. The interface between the copper alloy coating and the nickel coating is either zigzag or wave shaped, and the cohesion is relatively good. As-sprayed nickel coating is dominated by severely deformed particles,and the relative density is up to 98.5%. Complete recrystallization occurred after annealing at 900℃ for one hour,while its micro-hardness remains as high as 124.1 HV02. All these results have indicated that CGDS is a promising technology for repairing the continuous casting mold and that its future development is prosperous as well.

基于Moldflow的路由器中框模具优化设计

在进行路由器中框件模具设计过程中,利用Moldflow软件分析成型窗口,得出工艺参数的选择参考范围,根据浇口数量与位置不同设置了3种方案,并进行充填模拟分析。通过对比分析结果,发现方案三的浇口位置最合理。在此基础上,进行了冷却翘曲分析,发现翘曲量较小,仅为0.0037 mm,与实际注塑产品较吻合。表明在一些结构较复杂的塑料件的模具设计过程中,计算机辅助工程技术具有很好的应用价值,它可以为设计人员缩短模具设计周期,节约设计成本。

Properties of fiber reinforced plaster molds for investment casting

In order to improve the performance of plaster molds for investment casting,a diverse content of glass fiber and polypropylene(PP)fiber was incorporated into the slurry for the preparation of a fiber-reinforced mold.The green and fired bending strengths,thermal expansion properties,permeability,and thermal shock resistance of the mold were examined,and the scanning electron microscope(SEM)with energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS)was applied for the observation of fracture morphology.With appropriate content,the introduction of glass fiber was proved to increase the green bending strength and fired bending strength,restrain the thermal expansion and improve the thermal shock resistance of the mold,while the polypropylene fiber added was able to raise the green bending strength and the permeability,reduce the thermal expansion and heighten the thermal shock resistance as well,though the fired bending strength would be weakened slightly.Evenly distributed fibers were capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of the matrix,but agglomerations and bundles of fibers resulting from excessive addition had a negative impact.Meanwhile,it was also manifested that micropores left by ablative polypropylene fibers could improve the permeability and reduce the thermal expansion of the mold,and the fired bending strength would be decreased slightly by the deterioration of continuous structure.Three different ratios of hybrid fiber were employed in plaster molds,which can meet altered requirement of castings.The samples modified with hybrid fiber possessed lower thermal deformation,higher air permeability,and better resistance of thermal shock,while the mechanical strength was equal to the fiber free sample or slightly increased.

基于Moldex 3D与正交试验的离心泵泵头注塑工艺优化

以商用离心泵泵头为研究对象,运用Moldex3D模流分析软件对其注塑成型过程进行了模拟。根据产品的结构特点设置了三种浇口方案,通过对注塑过程的模拟分析选出最佳方案来获得模具设计思路并预测制品成型后可能存在的质量问题。结果表明,平衡进浇方案的制品具有最好的综合性能,制品的翘曲变形量为1.588 mm,体积收缩率为2.444%。确认最佳浇口方案后,将充填时间(A)、保压时间(B)、冷却时间(C)和模具温度(D)作为实验因素,采用田口法构建五因素四水平的正交试验来获得最佳工艺参数,并使用极差和方差分析对结果进行置信度检测。以翘曲总位移结果为主要权重对象,通过极差分析确定了成型参数的最优组合为A_(1)B_(1)C_(1)D_(1),方差分析则验证了极差分析的结果置信度高于99%。相较于初始方案,制品的翘曲变形量从1.588 mm降低至1.214 mm,降低了23.6%;冷却时间降低至10 s,降低了40%。得知模流分析技术的使用让产品的质量和生产效率都得到了明显的优化,为预测塑件性能、降低生产成本、提高生产效率提供了一种可行的方式。

基于Moldflow软件对薄壁件某塑料喷嘴的注塑方案优化研究

喷嘴注塑产品的质量和性能很大程度上由注塑方案和工艺参数所决定,不当的注塑方案和工艺参数会导致充填不足、熔接线过多、翘曲变形量大等问题。为了可以减少生产周期,节约生产成本,利用三维软件UG对喷嘴进行建模,基于模流分析软件Moldflow软件对喷嘴注塑产品进行分析和优化,通过比较点浇口和侧浇口两种方案的分析结果,最终确定该产品点浇口的方案更好。并通过设计正交实验,得到优化后的工艺参数。

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.

基于MoldFlow太阳能储能系统下盖成型模拟及应用

以太阳能储能系统下盖模流分析为例,反复修改流道和浇口截面尺寸与长度以及主流道位置,确定流道尺寸。运用MoldFlow对设计好的流道进行充填分析,以使成型达到流动平衡,并进行冷却、翘曲分析,预测成型缺陷,提出解决措施,为模具设计提供浇注系统和冷却系统方案和注射成型工艺参数,并应用于模具设计和实际生产。

Potential Pathogens among Fungi Identified as Nonsporulating Molds from Blood Cultures

Twenty-eight molds were isolated from clinical blood cultures and were unidentifiable by cellular morphology using conventional microscopy. Using the utility of amplification and direct sequencing of internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal RNA gene, 93% of these fungi were identified. Seventy-one percents of the molds were found to be associated with plants or soil with no or few published cases of human disease. These include species of basidiomycetes and ascomycetes such as Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis flavodonflavus, Inonotus pachyphloeus, Earlilella scabrosa, Calocybe indica, Athelia pellicularis, Tinctoporellus epimiltinus, Trametes lactinea, Coprinellus aureogranulat and Xylaria feejeensis. Some of the nonsporulating molds were identified as pathogen or potential pathogens in immunocompetent or immunocompromised hosts. These include Schizophylum commune and hyphomycetes such as Cladosporium cladosporoides, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium equiseti. Basidiomycetes and hyphomycetes identified in the current study are ubiquitous in the environment and are almost similar to the species of molds reported from cutaneous and respiratory samples suggesting that the fungi may represent contaminants rather than true fangaemia. Results of this study emphasize the need of an effort to minimise blood culture contamination and support the recommendation to incorporate clinical, radiologic findings and positive blood culture for molds in the diagnosis and management of invasive mycosis.

Exploring the Potential to Uniquely Manufacture Curved VARTM Epoxy Composites Using Cost-Effective FDM Molds

The Resin Infusion or the VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) process has significant potential to be used to manufacture curved composites. Another way to produce curved or complex geometry is to use 3D printers. 3D or FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers are now being used to produce relatively cheaper curved parts using thermoplastics such as PLA. However, the strength and mechanical performance of these parts is limited and can be enhanced if the polymer is reinforced with a type of fiber for instance. Research is being carried out to produce fiber rein-forced thermoplastic composites but that process is expected to be more expensive than the alternative methods such as injection or compression molding. Furthermore, to understand the manufacture of a hybrid composite using thermoplastics, fibers and epoxy resin, research and investigation need to be carried out. In this research, there are single-sided, double-sided, reusable, disposable and consumable molds. Most of the molds were created either using an FDM printer or manually. These molds were then used to manufacture flat and curved composite structures via the resin injection process, i.e. VARTM with epoxy resin system and glass/carbon/flax fiber reinforcement. By replacing the costly metallic molds by significantly cheaper molds, the cost of production was expected to further reduce. Furthermore, using double-sided PLA molds was not expected to be a threat to the overall cost of the composite part in question compared to double-sided matched molds used in compression molding. Shear strength, tensile strength and charpy impact strength of most of the manufactured composite parts were also investigated. The strengths were compared based on the method of mold usage. The results showed that this method is effective for a cheaper production of curved epoxy resin composites. However, the strength of the part will decrease as the curved profile gets more complicated unless the basic resin infusion process is altered.

基于Moldex3D的油漆桶桶盖注塑成型过程分析

利用模流分析软件Moldex3D模拟油漆桶桶盖注塑成型过程,研究桶盖模具使用阀式热流道与开式热流道两种不同浇注方案的成型差异,并结合仿真结果设计热流道。通过设计Taguchi DOE实验的因素与水平,优化桶盖产品的注塑工艺参数。结果表明:设定工艺参数为熔体温度250℃,保压时间2 s,冷却时间18 s时,产品没有短射、包封等外观质量问题;优化后的注塑工艺参数有效降低了产品的冷却时间。

基于Moldflow的排水泵过滤网注塑工艺优化与模具设计

利用Moldflow对塑料排水泵过滤网的注塑成型过程进行仿真,通过对其结构分析制定了合理的浇口位置和冷却水路。利用三因素三水平正交试验,研究了熔体温度(A)、充填压力(B)和开模时间(C)对于塑件翘曲变形的影响,得出较优的工艺参数组合为A_(1)B_(3)C_(3),即熔体温度220℃,充填压力80%,开模时间6 s,此时塑件的最大翘曲变形量为0.632 8 mm,与优化前相比降低了10.37%。最后依据Moldflow的分析结果,利用UG软件对注塑模具的结构进行了设计,根据塑件卡扣的结构特点,型腔采用整体式结构,型芯设计为组合式(主型芯+滑块)结构,并采用三组“斜导柱+滑块”式侧向抽芯机构解决脱模问题。为实现顺序脱模,借助尼龙塞以增加定模板与动模板之间的开模阻力,设计了内置式“小拉杆+拉杆套”结构的定距分型机构;考虑到塑件形状和模具结构与成本,设计了沿塑件侧壁轮廓排布的圆推杆脱模机构;为避免气纹、气穴等缺陷的形成,在型腔处设计了排气槽结构。该模具结构设计较为合理,可为其他结构相似塑件的模具设计提供有益参考和指导。