Design Element | Suggestions (Industry Standard Values) | Reasons and Benefits |
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Wall Thickness | Typical range: 3 - 8 mm (ideal ~5 mm) | Ensures proper metal flow, solidification, and reduces risk of shrinkage and porosity. |
Corner Radii | Minimum internal radii: 2 - 4 mm | Reduces stress concentrations, improves flow characteristics, prevents cracking. |
Draft Angles | Draft angle: typically 2° - 4° per side | Facilitates easy part removal from the mold, reduces mold wear and surface imperfections. |
Fillets | Minimum internal fillet radii: 2 mm | Promotes metal flow, reduces stress concentration, and improves structural integrity. |
Hole Sizes | Minimum hole diameter: 3 - 5 mm | Ensures mold filling, prevents incomplete castings, and reduces defect risks. |
Undercuts | Avoid or minimize undercuts | Simplifies mold design, reduces complexity, and minimizes production costs and defects. |
Surface Finish | Typical gravity casting roughness: Ra 6.3 - 12.5 µm | Provides a balance between achievable surface quality and cost efficiency. |
Tolerances | Typical linear tolerance: ±0.5 mm per 25 mm | Represents achievable accuracy; tighter tolerances typically increase cost. |
Text and Logos | Minimum text/logo depth/height: ≥ 1 mm | Ensures visibility and clarity in casting, suitable for gravity casting surface finish. |
Ribs and Gussets | Thickness approximately 60 - 80% of adjacent walls | Adds structural strength without excessive shrinkage, porosity, or stress concentration. |
Parting Line | Position at widest cross-section, simple and flat | Reduces flash and defects, simplifies mold construction, and improves cosmetic quality. |
Machining Allowance | Typical allowance: 1.5 - 4 mm | Allows sufficient material for accurate machining and achieving final dimensions. |