Semi-automated parametric design of gating systems for die-casting die

The gating system is very critical to a die-casting die, but designing the gating system is an iterative process that can be very time-consuming and costly. The aim of this work is to develop a design system that helps to realize automatic generation of the gating system’s geometries by applying parametric design. Parameterized solid models of gating elements are pre-constructed and stored in the system database, then retrieved from the database after the desired parameters and locations are specified and finally joined to the die-casting part to form the die cavity using Boolean operations. This design approach will significantly reduce the time needed to construct the 3D geometries for such gating elements as overflow, gate, runner, sprue, etc., and it will also make the modification of the existing design easier. A design evaluation module has been established to help predict the related parameters and verify the design. With such capability, die designers can incorporate their expertise into the design process at the early stage and make the initial gating system design more closely resemble their final design.