Search Documents

By Kimio Itagaki

The distribution behaviours of the VA elements between the gas, slag and matte phases in copper smelting were evaluated on the basis of the thermodynamic data, most of which were determined by the authors. The distribution is basically dependent on the process factors such as temperature, the content of the element in charge, the amount of the waste gas and degree of vapour saturation with the elements. The thermodynamic quantities such as the activity coefficients of the VA elements in matte, the activities of iron and copper, SO2 or 02 potential and the distribution ratio of the elements between the slag and matte phases seriously affect the distribution, and the behaviours in various smelters could be explained systematically and reasonably by considering the changes in these quantities, In oxidation smelting at PSO2= 0.1 to 1 atm, the proportion of arsenic and bismuth in gas is predomi22t for the arsenic and bismuth distributions in both smelting and converting stages. The degree of vapour saturation has serious effect on the distribution, and sufficient contact between gas and matte phases is desirable for transferring arsenic and bismuth into gas phase.The elimination of antimony by means of vaporization is not significant. In reduction smelting at po2 = 10-11 atm, the proportions of arsenic and antimony in the gas phase are quite small, but the proportion of bismuth does not change significantly.

Jan 1, 1983

By K. Twite, K. Mujinga, J-M. Dereydt, P. Louis

"GECAMINES is a large mining concern and the world's leading cobalt producer having some of the richest cobalt deposits in the world. Cobalt is associated in the ore with copper as sulphides and oxides and in some locations with nickel too. Specific hydrometallurgical processes have been developed by GECAMINES which had done an important contribution to the development of the cobalt hydrometallurgy.In the Shituru plant, cobalt is obtained from an unique in-pulp electrolysis process, while in Lullu, cobalt is electrolyzed in a clear acidic solution giving a purer deposit. In the beginning of 1996 Shituru started the treatment of mixed Cu-Co-Ni Shinkolobwe hydrates obtained as by-product of an uranium solvent extraction plant. A typical analysis of this feedstock is: 2% Cu, 8% Co and 4% Ni.The nickel sulfide depolarized cementation process developed previously by GECAMINES was inefficient to treat such a high level of nickel contamination and it was decided to produce alloyed Cobalt-Nickel cathodes in the Shituru tankhouse.As anticipated from laboratory tests as previous studies and publications, a lower Ni/Co in the deposit was obtained compared to the Ni/Co ratio solution, despite the nickel reversible electrochemical potential is somewhat higher than the one of cobalt (-0.25 V vs -0.28 V).In this paper, the process flow-sheet and production data are given. Cobalt alloy with 5 - 20 % Ni was obtained at a production level of 300 t per month. The process developed is a new contribution to cobalt hydrometallurgy."

Jan 1, 1997

By Tao Xuea

Gold frequently occurs in nature in the form of a gold-silver alloy. Thus, investigation of the electrochemical behavior of gold-silver alloys in cyanide solution has practical significance. In this paper, the potentiodynamic method is used to determine the anodic polarization curves of gold-silver alloys (Au-10% Ag and Au-50% Ag) in cyanide solutions. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, complementary experiments conducted in NaOH solution in the absence of cyanide are also reported. The results for the Au-Ag alloys are compared with the polarization behavior of pure gold and pure silver. With the aid of potential-pH diagrams for the Au- and Ag-CN-H20 systems and electrochemical kinetics concepts, the dissolution mechanism of gold-silver alloys, the effect of the presence of silver on the cyanidation of gold, as well as the factors which control the anodic reaction rate are clarified.

Jan 1, 1998

By Zenjiro Asaki, Teruo Tanabe

"To clarify the formation of light rare earth (R =Ce, Pr, Nd or Sm) -Fe compounds in the reduction-diffusion (RD) process, two kinds of experiments were carried out: (a) RD experiment in which briquettes composed of R oxide powder, Fe (particles or wire) and CaH2 were reacted, and (b) immersion experiment, where an Fe plate was immersed into R-Fe melt having the composition of Fe-side liquidus line in Fe crucible. The compound formation was examined by using XRD, SEM and EPMA. The formation rates of RzFe17 measured by the RD experiment were compared with those obtained by the immersion experiment. The growth rates of compounds obtained in the RD experiment for Pr-Fe and Nd-Fe systems were much lower than those obtained in the immersion experiment. This result was explained by the difference of the reduction rates of R oxides by Ca. The parabolic rate constants for the formation of RzFe17 were separated in two groups of (a) Pr-Fe and Nd-Fe systems and (b) Ce-Fe and Sm-Fe systems. This was discussed in connection with the difference of their crystal structures and the driving force of diffusion. The parabolic rate constants for the formation of compounds in Ce-Fe and Sm-Fe systems decreased in the order of RFez, RFe3 and RzFe17.IntroductionTo understand reaction behaviors in the production of rare earth (R) -iron intermetallic compounds, which have excellent magnetic properties, is very important from engineering point of view. And the reduction-diffusion (RD) process<O has recently attracted attention as one of the promising processes to economically produce R-related materials. A few fundamental studies on the compounds formation in the RD process have previously been reported. Qi, Hino and Yazawa(2) observed the formation of R(Nd, Sm)-Fe and R-Co compounds in the process from various view points. Song and Ogawa(3) measured the growth rates of Nd-Fe and Sm-Fe compounds by using Nd or Sm vapor supplied from Nd-Ca or Sm-Ca melts. The authors have also carried out fundamental studies (4)-(8) to clarify the rate and mechanism in the production of R-Fe intermetallic compounds."

Jan 1, 1998

By R. Stefaniuk, T. Le, J-Y Huôt, H. Henein

"One of the most important process variables in gas atomization is the gas to metal (G/M) mass ratio as it has a direct effect on the mean particle size of the atomized powder. If this ratio can be controlled during the atomization process, the powder produced would be more uniform and the d50 more predictable. Thus, atomization using a tundish or gravity feed from a crucible would be more stable. In gas atomization, the gas flow rate can be easily monitored; while it is very difficult to determine the molten metal flow rate. This research paper presents a new method of recording the molten metal height with time using a conducting metal height detector. The metal height recorded in real time during atomization was used to characterize using a model the friction losses in the metal delivery system. It is found that the integrity of the metal delivery tube and the cleanliness of the melt play a key role in the maintaining a stable metal feed.IntroductionIn the gas atomization process, molten metal is normally fed to the system either continuously using a tundish or in most cases a certain amount of metal is melted in a crucible and flows into the atomizing chamber under gravity. In the first case, the metal flow rate is believed to be constant during the atomization process despite the presence of slag or dross on the molten metal surface. In the second case, the amount of molten metal is depleted with time and the rate at which the metal flow decreases with time varies from test to test in a seemingly unpredictable fashion.' Furthermore, most atomization systems are confined units and the metal level in the crucible cannot be detected by a visualization method. In industry as well as in laboratories, the metal flow rate is normally calculated on either the mass of input material or the mass of total production divided by the duration of the test. This figure is not accurate enough and obviously cannot be used as a control parameter for the gas to metal ratio as it is only determined after the completion of an atomization run. The need exists for a metal flow rate measurement and control methodology; thereby the d50 of the powder produced may be estimated and controlled in real time. Clearly, the smaller the variation of the G/M ratio during the atomization process the more uniform the powder produced and hence the size of the particles can be predicted."

Jan 1, 1994

By Yoshihiko Maeda

"Although Japanese mining industry once had been a polluter of toxic heavy metals and gasses, it has been struggling for improvement of environment at mining and smelting facilities under the strict Japanese regulations. Through these efforts, the industry has developed various environmental technologies to be applied in other industries and society.Recycling of metal scraps, for example, has been conducted at smelting facilities. Treatment of hazardous waste, cleanup of contaminated soil and management of landfill are other examples of application of mining and smelting technologies and facilities. In accordance with the worldwide environmental concerns, the industry has become one of the leading industries to promote ""Sustainable Development"", and it is expected further contribution in reducing various environmental burdens to earth by utilizing its mining and smelting technologies and facilities. Some of the examples of these applications are presented in this paper.IntroductionDowa Mining Co., Ltd., established in 1984, is known as one of the ~op Japanese producer of nonferrous metals. Base on its special expertise in the mining and smelting of complex ores, it has expanded its business areas to downstream activities ranging from highly purified metals and alloys, electronics materials, chemicals and related various businesses. Dowa Mining now is becoming more active in the field of waste treatment and recycling.Dowa Mining had operated some mines until 1980th, located at the western part and northern part of Honshuu Island in Japan; the former is pyrite mine while the later is ""Black Ore"" mine,· a complex sulfide ore composed of high grade of copper,· silver, lead and zinc. However, due to the strong yen began in1985; Dowa Mining closed its mining operation in 1994, and has sifted to mining operations in Mexico."

Jan 1, 2000

By Naiyi Li, Henry Hu, Alfred Yu

"In the past few years, various squeeze cast aluminum components have been developed and successfully implemented in various vehicles by the automotive industry because of their superior engineering performance. However, fundamental understanding of the formation of air gap during squeeze casting processes is still very limited despite of its significant influence on the extent of heat transfer between the casting and mould. In this paper, a mathematical model has been developed to simulate phenomena of air gap between the casting and mold' during squeeze casting of aluminum alloys. The model considers the effect of process parameters such as applied pressures and mold temperatures on the events of air gap formation. The predication indicates that the occurrence of highly enhanced heat transfer in squeeze casting of aluminum alloys primarily results from the presence of excess applied pressures.IntroductionA number of squeeze cast Al components has been developed and used in mass-produced vehicles in the past few years, such as steering knuckles, Road wheel, Engine Block etc. This is attributed to their superior engineering performance. In squeeze casting, the cooling rate can be increased by applying high pressure during solidification which results in the noted refinement in the micro structure scale leading to better casting properties. However, the excessive pressure increased interfacial heat transfer coefficient is affected during the solidification by air gap formation and die surface condition etc., which is believed to increase thermal resistance at the casting/die interface [l - 4]."

Jan 1, 2004

By Naiyang Ma

"High oil concentration is one of the major barriers for recycling of mill scale of steel hot rolling mills. It is of vital importance to find cost-effective technologies of reducing oil concentration in mill scale in order to recycle the mill scale without causing detrimental effects on production and environment. This paper discusses in-process separation of mill scale from oil at steel hot rolling mills. Formation of mill scale and status of oily wastewater at hot rolling mills are reviewed in the first place. A mathematical model is then formulated to relate oil concentration in mill scale to physical properties of mill scale, chemical and physical properties of wastewater and interacting parameters between mill scale particles and wastewater. From this model, three approaches of in-process separation of mill scale from oil are derived: (1) avoiding contacts between mill scale particles and oily wastewater, and (2) maintaining low oil concentration in wastewater, and (3) collecting mill scale in upper streams of wastewater flows. In-process separation of mill scale from oil might have advantages of lower capital cost, lower operating cost and less additional environmental concerns, compared to other strategies of separating mill scale from oil.IntroductionHot rolling is an inevitable step in producing finished steel products. Figure 1 schematically shows a steel hot rolling process. Semi-finished steel products, slabs here, are reheated first, and then the reheated slabs are discharged from the furnaces and transported on hot rolling trains to descaling units for removing scale with pressurized water. After being descaled, the slabs are rolled by roughing mills. After treated with cropping and the second descaling, the slabs are finally rolled into finished products, coils here, by finishing mills."

Jan 1, 2012

By Dong-sheng Li, Hong-ming Long, Tie-jun Chun, Chao Ning, Zhen Wang

Iron ore sintering is an essential process in modern iron and steel production. It has the largest emission of the PM (particulate matter) in the iron and steel industry, accounting for about 40% of the total emission. The physical and chemical properties of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the iron ore sintering were introduced, and the research development of PM emission reduction was also summarized. The potential future development of PM emission reduction by chemical agglomeration and capture in the iron ore sintering process was also carried out. The interface chemistry relationships between PM and polymer, such as sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and polyacrylamide (PAM), in agglomerates were also investi- gated in this paper. It is signi ficant to reveal the characteristics of PM and develop the emission reduction technology of PM for the cleaner production of iron ore sintering.

Mar 1, 2018

By U. Lauwers

The influence of different waste materials in sinter blends on the quality and mineralogical composition of a sinter is described. As a result of partial preservation of the original textures of waste materials in the final product the degree of assimilation of the original material in the sinter product can be ascertained. Recycling of waste materials such as dolo char , arc-furnace slag, scrap fmes, mill scale and BOF-mud via the sintering process a saving on costs of raw materials such as flux and fuels, and a reduction on pollution can be achieved. A comparison of a typical sinter with a sinter produced through the utilization of waste materials showed a distinct correlation between certain types of waste material and some metallurgical properties. Dolochar in a sinter blend acts as part of the fuel and flux that are normally added to a sinter mix. Generally dolochar improves the quality of the sinter and decreases the consumption of coke. Other waste materials adversely influence the quality of the sinter. The glass and calcium ferrite content of a sinter when dolochar is used in the blend is similar to that of a sinter produced with only coke as a fuel in the sinter mix. The glass content is lower and the calcium ferrite content is higher, in a sinter produced from dolo char in the blend compared to a sinter produced with additions of other waste materials. Changes in the mineralogical composition are related directly to the metallurgical properties of the sinter product.

Jan 1, 1991

By Biserka Lucheva, Tzonio Tzonev

"Recycling of aluminum scrap and dross is significant in the economic and energy saving, as well as in the environmental protection. Recovery of metal aluminum depends on many factors. The aim of this work is to investigate experimentally the metal recovery under different conditions. The processing of aluminum dross was carried out in DC electric arc rotary furnace. The optimal technological parameters are determined. It is turned out that the presence of crushing refractory bodies during the processing of the aluminum dross in the rotary furnace increases the degree of aluminum recovery with about 10 %.IntroductionCompact and granular aluminum dross are used for the fulfillment of the experiments, which were obtained by salt free melting of aluminum scrap. The only preliminary preparation of the compact dross is crushing them into proper size, in compliance with the size of the opening for furnace charging and removing of fraction – 1 mm. The granular dross is subjected to sieving also with the purpose to remove the fraction – 1 mm. In these conditions the content of the metal phase in the compact dross is 72 %, and in the granular – 77 %. The processing of aluminum dross was carried out in DC electric arc rotary furnace (Figure 1).The purpose of this research is to investigate experimentally the metal recovery under different conditions and to establish the dominant factors, which need to be controlled."

Jan 1, 2008

By Tseng. B. H.

Samples of unchlorinated and chlorinated carbonaceous concentrate from a carbonaceous gold ore were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for organically bonded sulfur and chlorine. The concentrate assayed 1.53 oz/t gold and 6.01% organic carbon. Much of the organic carbon occurred as sizable coarse particles up to several hundred microns in size, which showed no visible evidence of reaction with chlorine after chlorination treatment. Both the untreated and chlorinated fractions of the carbonaceous concentrate were analyzed by the TEM method, which detected organically bonded sulfur in all of the carbon particles examined in the untreated sample, ranging from about 1 to 5% organic sulfur, and averaging near 3.1%. TEM analysis of 40 carbon particles in the chlorinated sample indicated that organic sulfur was reduced significantly in the carbon and replaced in part by the chlorine, as the result of chlorination.

Jan 1, 1987

By Andre Thess, Jurij Kolesnikov, Christian Karcher

"During the motion of molten metal under external non-homogeneous magnetic field the induced electric currents produce Lorentz body forces in the opposite direction to the flow, causing deformation of velocity profile, vortical structures, and adding a pressure drop across the magnetic field. The same Lorentz force acts on the magnet system. We analyse these phenomena in metallurgy, namely, at molten metal pumping, stirring, continuous casting, and in contactless Lorentz force flowmeter (LFF). Experiments with liquid metal alloy, including direct measurements of Lorentz forces, velocities, and flow structure visualization were conducted. Based on this study the industrial prototypes of LFF systems were designed, built, and tested in a secondary aluminium production. A molten metal flow at high temperature (700°C-850°C) can be effectively measured. The LFF technique method allows measuring precisely the volumetric and mass flow rates linked with Lorentz force, and the mass accumulated within production process.IntroductionThe present work demonstrates the development of a non-contact electromagnetic system for measurement of a liquid metal flow. Our approach embodies the Lorentz force velocimetry [1-6] technique which is physically based on a measurement of the force acting on an external magnet system the field of which interacts with the flow. This force is exactly equal to the braking Lorentz force induced in a flowing conducting fluid. In what follows a measurement system based on the Lorentz force velocimetry principle. For monitoring and controlling the production process it is desirable to measure continuously the mean velocity of the liquid metal in order to deduce the mass-flux and volume-flux from it. The form and dimensions of the magnet system are in agreement with geometry of the operating channel. We consider here a version of magnet systems in a composition of permanent magnets.The LFF possesses a number of advantages which make it attractive for the measurement of flows in hot and aggressive melts. The relation between the measured force and the desired volumetric flow rate is often linear (for closed channel or at a constant liquid metal level in open channel). For the converting of the measured force into volumetric and mass flow rate we should know the calibration factor. The calibration factor is independent of the viscosity and density of the liquid metal and depends only on the magnetic field magnitude, the electrical conductivity of the liquid metal and the geometry of the channel in which the liquid metal flows. In aluminium production, for instance, there exists a number of standard alloy compositions having welldefined conductivities for which the calibration factors can thus be tabulated. We consider below consistently effects in liquid metals arising under influencing magnetic field, construction principle of LFF and measurements of metal flows at industrial conditions."

Jan 1, 2011

By Bo Zhou

During secondary aluminum recovery, complex aluminum scraps are melted and refined often in a rotary melting furnace and the aluminum metal has to pass through a molten salt layer and melt down in a bottom aluminum bath. Previous experimental study and industrial observations have indicated that salt shell formation and re-melting on the metal solids in the early stage plays a critical role in the overall melting process of the scrap. In the present paper, mathematical models are developed to simulate the process of salt shell formation and its re-melting, as well as aluminum melting in the molten melt. Influence of the salt layer properties, the residence time of the metal particles in the salt layer, the particle size, the temperature of bulk melt were investigated. Reasonable agreement with the measurement data was reached. The developed melting model will be used to construct a population balance model of the scrap melting behavior for a rotary melting furnace, taking into account the distributed characteristics of the scrap. Finally, an overall process model based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the rotary furnace will be constructed, coupling with the population balance model for the scrap melting.

Jan 1, 2003

By Tarek M. Hatem, Salah M. Bedair, Khaled H. Khafagy

Our understanding for intrinsic stresses and defects evolution in photovoltaic devices has became an essential part of new developments. In particular, Multi-Junction Photovoltaic (MJ-PV) modules depend on multi-layer structures that may suffer high dislocation-densities as a result of high lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch. These defects limit the performance, reliability, and lifetime of PV devices. In the current study, a three-dimensional multiple-slip crystal-plasticity model and specialized finite-element formulations are used to investigate InGaN growth on Si substrates. The formulation is based on accounting for thermal and intrinsic stresses as a result of different processing conditions and microstructures. Furthermore, the formulation was used to investigate a recently developed technique, Embedded Void Approach (EVA), which can be used to address both the high density of defects and the cracking/bowing of InGaN growth on Si. The current work lays the groundwork for more extensive use of silicon in MJ-PV devices.

Mar 1, 2018

By Weizhi Zeng, Michael L. Free, Shijie Wang

Copper electrorefining is an old technique that is generally performed in electrolytic cells with a bottom inlet and top outlet that are convenient for electrolyte flow control. Nevertheless, this configuration cannot effectively direct electrolyte flow to the regions between electrodes, which results in weak convection and inadequate delivery of chemical species and additives. In this article, we discuss the innovations in electrore fining cell design to improve electrolyte flow for better cathode quality and simulation of fluid flow field and particle movements based on finite element modeling method. The resulting fluid flows in cells can transport suspended slime particles to the cathode, where they can be incorporated as impurities. The concentration of suspended slime particles is inversely related to slime adhesion, which is strongly influenced by slime particle sintering, and sintering is dependent on temperature and slime particle composition. Thus, the combination of innovative fluid flow and slime particle sintering can play important roles in improving cathode quality.

Mar 1, 2017

By Miroslav Raudensky, Kallol Bera, Jaroslav Horsky, Jee G. Chang, Ampere A. Tseng

"A combined experimental and finite element approach to study the local heat transfer coefficient is presented in this paper. The heat transfer coefficients at different cooling regimes in a roll are quantified by an inverse heat conduction technique; the heat transfer phenomena involved are then discussed. A discussion of the application of the heat transfer information found in the present study for better design of a roll cooling system is also included. Finally, an identification of areas where further work is needed is presented.IntroductionIn metal rolling processes, the roll is used as a tool to deform the workpiece at very high speeds. As shown in Fig. 1, the heat transfer phenomena involved in the process are complicated by the interaction between the roll and the strip, mainly including 1) the heat transferred from the workpiece to rolls in the contact regions, 2) the heat created in the interface due to the deformation of the workpiece and the friction between the workpiece and roll, and 3) the heat removed by watercooling as well as the ambient air. All of these transport phenomena occur at extremely high pressure, high speed, and high heat flux; these make the control of the roll temperatures an extremely challenging problem.In hot rolling, proper cooling of rolls can lead not only to improve the roll shape quality by controlling the thermal crown of the roll, but also to extend the roll life by minimizing the thermally induced stresses [1,2]. Also, knowledge of roll temperatures can contribute to insights about the roll/workpiece interfacellubricant behavior, and lead to the desired surface condition of the workpiece. Therefore, adequate roll cooling or control of roll temperatures is of critical concern to mill designers and process engineers. In order to have proper operation of the process, a good understanding of the influence of cooling practices on the roll is essential [3]."

Jan 1, 1994

By Donggen Fang, Liu Xuan, Jilai Xue

SiO2 and Al2O3 in the metallurgical slag of nickel laterite ore have great recycling values. In this work, Si and Al were extracted from the slag in NaOH based molten salts through alkali roasting and water leaching process for preparing zeolite materials. The extraction ratio of SiO2 increases with increased temperature and appropriately prolonged time, and more than 80% SiO2 can be recycled from the slag after roasting at 550°C. Si and Al from the slag are in the filtered liquor for producing zeolite materials, while Mg, Ca, Fe and other impurities remain in the leached residues. Adding Na2CO3 into the alkalin-slag roasting process can reduce the amount of pure NaOH used with minor decrease in extraction ratio of SiO2, while make better separation of Ca to avoid it getting into the filtered liquor. Adding Al2O3 into the alkalin roasting process can replace part of more expensive NaAlO2 addition that is required for preparing zeotite material, which may bring out a minor decrease in extraction ratio of SiO2 due to formation of NaAlSiO 4 in the filtered residues. Quality X zeolite and 4A zeolite materials can be made from the starting liquor containing Si and Al recycled from the laterite nickel slag through alkali roasting and water leaching process.

Mar 1, 2018

By Jiao Li, WenhuiMa, KuixianWei, YongnianDai, Cong Zhang

The paper studied the diffusion process of nitrogen and characteristic distribution of iron impurities in the bottom of cast crystalline silicon ingot along the direction of crystal growth. According to the dynamics analysis of the decomposition of Si3N4 coating, the diffusion process of nitrogen into multicrystalline silicon ingot during casting process should be divided into three steps. The diffusion length of nitrogen in multicrystalline silicon ingot is 700 μm. The results of EDS analysis indicate that the distribution characteristic of iron in multicrystalline silicon ingot is concerned with the diffusion process of nitrogen in this length. Based on the above research results, the distribution model of iron in casting multicrystalline silicon ingot was established and verified by the experimental results.

Jan 1, 2015

By Laurentiu Nastac

"An advanced casting simulation-based optimization approach was applied in this study to assist in the improvement of the mold design of aerospace components made of A3 56 alloy. By using this approach, mold filling and solidification related defects (including macro-shrinkage and shrinkage porosity) were significantly minimized and hence it helped in cost reduction, performance enhancement and quality assurance of complex A3 56 cast parts.An experimental validation and detailed calibration procedures of the models for prediction of macro-shrinkage and shrinkage porosities were performed using A3 5 6 plates cast in fiiran-silica sand molds using the Prometal's Rapid Casting Technology (RCT) - mold printing technology. Correlations between Niyama values and the pore percentage were also developed. Thus, the severity level of shrinkage porosity can be determined via the Niyama criterion. Predictions were then compared with the macro-shrinkage and porosity measurements in plates of various plate thicknesses and in other commercial A3 56 casting components.IntroductionThis paper describes the process modeling approach used in the development of the mold design technology used to produce assist in the improvement of the mold design of aerospace components made of A356 alloy. Nova Flow&Solid™ software [3] was applied in this study. This casting simulation software was previously validated for several alloys including Ti, steel and superalloys [1-4]. The objective of this paper is to calibrate and validate the simulation software for A356 alloy sand mold castings. For this purpose, an experimental validation and detailed calibration procedures of the models for prediction of macro-shrinkage and microshrinkage (e.g., shrinkage porosities) were performed using A356 plates cast in fiiran-silica sand molds using the Prometal Rapid Casting Technology (RCT) mold printing technology. The details of the RCT technology are shown in Fig. 1 [5]. Prometal's RCT technology is used for rapid production of sand molds and cores directly from CAD files. The RCT technology relies upon ink jet printer technology to selectively bind the grains of sand to create three-dimensional sand molds and cores. Mold filling and solidification modeling as well as stress analysis are typically performed to properly design the casting and the rig system of each prototype component."

Jan 1, 2012