Idle

Simulation Canvas

Fluidity Channel Visualisation
CUP100200300400500600700800mmFLUIDITY TEST CHANNEL — 700 mm

Learning Summary

Key Concepts

  • Fluidity and superheat relationship
  • Effect of mold material on cooling rate
  • Channel geometry and heat loss
  • Misrun defect and its causes
  • Surface roughness and friction losses

Engineering Notes

Fluidity is the ability of molten metal to flow and fill a mold cavity before solidifying. It is primarily governed by superheat (temperature above the liquidus), metal composition, and the rate at which the mold extracts heat. Sand molds insulate the metal and allow longer flow; metal molds chill rapidly and shorten flow distance. Thin channels lose heat faster due to a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, increasing misrun risk. Engineers select pouring temperature, mold type, and gating dimensions together to ensure complete fill.

Reflection

Why does switching from a Green Sand mold to a Metal mold dramatically reduce the flow distance even when the pouring temperature stays the same? What does this tell you about where the energy for fluidity comes from?