Engineering the future.

 BETTER, MORE INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO CASTING SIMULATION

We knew we could do better. The decision was taken to introduce casting simulation as an imperative tool to run virtual casting trials on a computer. This removes the need to produce multi-casting trials in the foundry. Information obtained via casting simulation can then be used to refine the casting method before a “real” trial is carried out in the foundry.

The goal of casting simulation is to produce a part “right first time” without the time and expense of multiple founding trials. This is achieved by working in partnership with our customers, and using simulation to develop a robust manufacturing method before the first mould is poured. Various alloys can be trialled in a virtual environment to optimise structure and properties by utilising the ‘Iron’ module for casting and ‘Non-Ferrous’ for aluminium castings.


This data is then used in conjunction with our customer’s requirements to maximise properties in the finished component.


Simulation also offers an insight in to the residual stress levels in the as cast condition and after heat treatment. This data can then be used to support customer finite element analysis.

CASTING SIMULATION PHILOSOPHY: RIGHT FIRST TIME

BLENDING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH UNRIVALED EXPERIENCE

Dedicated CAD resource allows us the ability to work directly with raw data in native formats from Catia, UG and Pro E. Casting accuracy is directly influenced in this phase by the use of high quality materials, trained and experienced staff. The blend of the latest computer aided design technology and unrivalled experience by us provides the highest quality tooling and DFM (Design for Manufacture) experience in support of our customer needs.

BESPOKE TOOLING TO RECONSTRUCT, REPLACE OR REVERSE ENGINEER

In the event of the requirement to reconstruct or replace tooling for a customers discontinued product we are able to reverse engineer from an existing part using the in house tools at our disposal such as Computer Tomography and Optical Scanning. New tooling could then be designed or alternatively printed through our tool less HHS Sand Printer. Moulds can then be constructed re-manufacture a duplicate of the original damaged component.

Our tooling design team will accommodate for the core expansions, gas evolutions and contractions that the mould will experience during the pouring and freezing stages of the casting process.

OUR EXPERTS WILL HELP YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR PROJECT LIFETIME

We’ve worked together with the world’s leading design consultancies taking concept designs through to mature production. Advanced in house modelling of metal flow and solidification at the prototype phase provides our experts with the key information to permit optimised tooling design, casting methods and subsequently transfer this knowledge through to large scale production runs.

ENGINEERING SERVICES

Foundry process design, the optimisation of foundry tooling and process simulation are central to our engineering service offering.

CASTING EXPERTISE

The Grainger & Worrall casting expertise leads the world in high integrity complex sand castings, supplying automotive OEM’s, Tier 1 suppliers and blue-chip aerospace customers.

A SMOOTH AND ACCURATE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION

Employing a series of managed gate-ways, delivering a smooth and accurate transfer of information throughout the process of casting development and manufacture. The system controls process to provide absolute adherence to the engineering standards demanded by our diverse customer base.

EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND PRECISION

The engineers at Grainger & Worrall that manage customer projects within this system have been drawn from all fields of cast product development and manufacture. These engineers with decades of experience in pattern, tooling manufacture work closely with experts in foundry practice and machining specialists to ensure that the risks associated with any new product are understood from the outset and managed throughout the program through direct integration or support to customer engineering teams as demanded.

NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION –

PROCESS MANAGEMENT

Grainger & Worrall have developed a comprehensive process to manage program risk and deliver projects on time and on budget.

We would be pleased to discuss the detail of our approach with you but be assured this robust NPI process is at the heart of our quality offering, combined with a diverse, stable business platform and the provision of accessible managed resources.

MATERIAL ANALYSIS SPECTROMETERS

All castings produced at Grainger & Worrall are accompanied by full traceability of process variables. Chemical and compositional analysis of sand and metals are made using our laser spectrometry equipment.

This spectral analysis of the melt is undertaken throughout the production process ensuring that the chemical composition of the cast material is correct, results from this activity form the basis of the physical, mechanical and chemical analysis of your product in order that you can be certain of the ultimate mechanical properties of the finished design.

COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS | YXLON INDUSTRIAL X-RAY

Computer Tomography is used by Grainger& Worrall in the validation and assurance of casting integrity to create a three dimensional model of the cast component which is then aligned to the customer CAD data.

A surface comparison of the casting enables deviation analysis. CT (Computer Tomography) Scanning also provides a very detailed set of x-ray data for initial material integrity analysis.

The CT department utilises two Yxlon Industrial X-ray machines 24hours a day ensuring integrity of your complex cast aluminium components.

The equipment can be used to scan a wide range of materials and depths. For example:

• Aluminium up to 250mm

• Iron up to 80mm

• Plastic more than 250mm

• Wood more than 250mm

• Carbon fibre more than 250mm

• Silica sand cores more than 250mm

The dimension in (mm) refers to the maximum thickness of material the x-rays are required to penetrate in the horizontal direction.

Grainger & Worrall are able to reverse engineer through the application of this technology, taking a physical part that may no longer have serviceable tooling. Through the production of an integral solid model we can either produce a rapid prototype or new conventional tooling in support of the production replacement parts.

Having invested close to £1Million in multiple CT machines Grainger &Worrall remains the only UK producer of castings with this technology. Over and above other techniques such as Film or Digital  Radiography, Computer Tomography provides accurate 3D measurement to within 0.2mm either in visualisation of defects or verification of dimension. For example, the bubbles so damaging to fatigue life due to their oxide- forming movement through the solidifying metal can now be detected with unparalleled accuracy. Even incipient cracks and internal surface imperfections are measurable in a non-destructive way giving certainty to the assessment of quality. Far from relying upon CT to inspect quality. The transparency that CT provides drives the need for continuous design and process improvement.

Digital Radiography provides high definition non-destructive testing of casting integrity. Additional processing is also provided including Ultrasonic, Dye penetrant and MPI techniques providing a comprehensive array of testing regimes.

GOM OPTICAL SCANNING

Geometric Optical Measurement at Grainger & Worrall uses a series of white light scans to map the external profiles which are then arranged to produce a 3 Dimensional CAD model. For internal profiles a casting must be sectioned with the internal section scans then being overlaid on the external profile scan to produce a complete model. Fe castings must be sectioned for internal profiles as CT scanning will not work due to the density of the iron

The scanned images of the casting are then converted into a solid model for compatibility with CAD/CAM.

The process of converting a raw data file into solid model file is called Polygonisation. Polygons are used in computer graphics to produce images that are three-dimensional in appearance and are a large series of flat joined surfaces. Once converted the file size will be reduced into a manageable amount and allow the model to be modified for future design use.

The now polygonised model represents the rough As-Cast scanned part.

The surface of the model must therefore be redrawn as a smooth surfaced model for ease of casting and verification of dimensional accuracy.

Surface pickup points are placed on the model profile and used to redraw smooth, continuous surfaces and radii. The new surfaces are joined to create a new 3-D model compatible with CAM software.

CO-ORDINATE MEASURING MACHINES CMM

In house optical Laser scanning and computerised Tomography provides G&W fast and accurate measurement of castings.

Complimenting these computer based technologies CMM and traditional hard line scribing is undertaken when required.

LEAK TESTING

Casting integrity is also checked using either our air decay or water test equipment and is defined in the technical agreement

The challenge of testing a diverse range of castings is the job of our validation team the size of the component and surface finish are duly considered in order the most appropriate method is employed. Many leak testing applications utilise automated plant due to high volumes however in the prototype environment this luxury is not a relevant consideration.

Castings are tested to customer  requirements using bespoke test fixturing and are tested according to various specifications which have become much tighter in recent years. These are directly dependent on the fluid the casting is designed to contain or even if vacuum capability is a requirement.

Engine cylinder blocks are often the most challenging type of casting to leak test because they have multiple galleries for oil, coolant and air. Each gallery will often have different leak rates and test pressure.

A variety of leak testing methods can be used, including helium, air, mass flow and pressure decay.

TENSILE TESTING

Tensile testing is undertaken by Grainger & Worrall to validate and determine the yield strength, yield point, tensile strength, elongation, and reduction of area for a given sample.

These tension tests determine the strength and ductility of the cast materials under uniaxial tensile stresses. The results are helpful in comparisons of materials, in the development of new alloys, for quality control.

Proper test piece alignment, grip and face selection are critical factors in obtaining valid test results. Bending moments or side loading are avoided, we custom design and manufacture fixtures to provide repeatable results.

A SMOOTH AND ACCURATE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION

Employing a series of managed gate-ways, delivering a smooth and accurate transfer of information throughout the process of casting development and manufacture. The system controls process to provide absolute adherence to the engineering standards demanded by our diverse customer base.

ACCURACY, KNOWLEDGE AND CASTING SKILL

Our team of engineers draws from a wide range of cast product development and manufacturing backgrounds. With decades of experience in pattern and tooling manufacturing, we work alongside foundry and machining experts to identify and manage any potential project risks. This team ensures that projects are managed efficiently and effectively, from inception to completion.