Contextual design and real-time verification for agile casting design
Authors: Dong Xiang, Chu-hao Zhou, Xuan-pu Dong, Shu-ren Guo, Yan-song Ding, Hua-tang Cao
In the foundry industries, process design has traditionally relied on manuals and complex theoretical calculations. With the advent of 3D design in casting, computer-aided design (CAD) has been applied to integrate the features of casting process, thereby expanding the scope of design options. These technologies use parametric model design techniques for rapid component creation and use databases to access standard process parameters and design specifications. However, 3D models are currently still created through inputting or calling parameters, which requires numerous verifications through calculations to ensure the design rationality. This process may be significantly slowed down due to repetitive modifications and extended design time. As a result, there are increasingly urgent demands for a real-time verification mechanism to address this issue. Therefore, this study proposed a novel closed-loop model and software development method that integrated contextual design with real-time verification, dynamically verifying relevant rules for designing 3D casting components. Additionally, the study analyzed three typical closed-loop scenarios of agile design in an independent developed intelligent casting process system. It is believed that foundry industries can potentially benefit from favorably reduced design cycles to yield an enhanced competitive product market.
