X-Ray Computed Tomography for Casting Development
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate specific sand casting product examples for technical and economic benefits. The representative results are applicable to other casting technologies as well. CT has been shown to be cost effective in the development of new castings. The areas which would benefit include internal dimensional measurements (eliminating destructive sectioning), specific region inspections, flaw characterization in critical regions (to allow passing or informed repair of castings), and geometric acquisition for CAD/CAM. The quantitative capability of CT allows an engineering evaluation of castings based upon a correlation with performance. This quantitative measurement capability has also been used to measure the benefit of hot isostatic pressing in casting production. CT is also cost effective for engineering design and analysis by providing rapid geometry acquisition for input to computer aided design systems. This is particularly beneficial for components that do not have existing drawings or cannot be adequately defined until they are made for any reason. Presently CT can serve as an engineering aid to casting manufacturing. In order for CT evaluation to become routine in foundry applications, however, casting designers need to call it out as a measurement technique in the original casting design drawings, specifications on the application of CT must be written, contracts must include CT evaluation as a means for accepting casting quality, and lower cost CT systems must be available.... Computed Tomography (CT), Dimensional measurement, Investment casting, Sand casting, porosity, CAD/CAM, Geometry acquisition, Performance prediction, Material allowables.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA261786
Entities
People
- Alan R. Crews
- Gary E. Georgeson
- Richard H. Bossi
Organizations
- Boeing Defense, Space & Security