Our research is focused on designing and developing an optimised casting method for the production of lead sheets, used in both the construction and healthcare industries, through computer modelling and simulation.
At a glance
- DatesOctober 2015 鈥� October 2019
- Sponsor, , and
- Funded£147,500
- Partners
Liquid metal casting is a hugely energy intensive process and many processes are inefficient in both their use of materials and energy.
Most engineering metals require a theoretical 1GJ (gigajoule) per tonne of energy to melt but, in practice, this can be 100-1,000 times more when measured against the tonnes of good castings produced. Net shape processes (creating a finished form) and those which produce higher materials yields (efficiencies) also improve energy efficiencies and reduce waste and the volume of materials in the recycling loop.
Our research is developing a defect-free direct method of casting lead sheets. To achieve this, current defects in t