Novel feeder technology for resource and cost efficient iron and steel casting

Purpose and goal

A new technology that can radically improve the production of cast iron in steel uses induction heating to control and enhance the feeding of melt in the mold. The project has aimed to verify and demonstrate the possibility of industrial implementation. Technical improvements, computational models and new solutions have been developed and tested on a pilot scale. Virtual demonstrators demonstrate potential new applications for the technology, reduced residual stresses and casting of thin segments.

Expected results and effects

The project was intended to enable foundries to increase production while maintaining the quality level and to cast new types of components for customers in automotive and engineering industry. This has to some extent already been fulfilled. An economic model has been formulated for the industrial implementation of induction-assisted feeding with regard to energy utilization, productivity, and quality. New applications for the technology have been demonstrated. Continued research and development in the area is expected as well as increased collaboration within the consortium.

Planned approach and implementation

In the project, the new technology has been investigated and validated in production environment by adapting technical solutions and developing new methods for simultaneous temperature measurement in the mould. Induction feeding has been integrated into existing simulation programs that are routinely used during the development of cast components. The planned full-scale tests were largely made impossible due to the pandemic during the latter part of the project, which led to a greater final focus on simulations and virtual demonstrators.

External links

Projektsida på ri.se