Iron Casting Simulation
Iron casting is one of the oldest metallurgy processes adopted by man, dating back to around 500 B.C. Today, cast iron is used in many automotive, construction and industrial components.
Cast iron is an extremely versatile material although faults in production can still occur. By using iron casting simulation techniques, these can be identified and corrected while keeping production costs low.
ESI iron casting simulation suite
ESI has developed a comprehensive and innovative suite, Casting Simulation Suite, ProCAST which consists of software applications for iron casting simulations. It is able to address different grades of Cast Iron including, grey iron, compact graphite iron, nodular cast iron, Ni-Resist & Si-Mo cast iron and predict respective microstructure & mechanical properties. ProCAST's suite is designed to focus not only on the basics in a casting process including filling and solidification, along with the prediction of porosity, but also using the powerful finite element technology to to predict both residual stresses and deformations. ProCAST also addresses supporting manufacturing processes such as core blowing & heat treatment. This application has also received prestigious awards over the years.
A pedigree in iron casting simulation
While not quite as venerable as the iron casting process itself, ESI boasts more than 25 years of leadership in the iron casting simulation industry. The company was founded by four PhD graduates from the University of California, Berkeley, who based their new company in Paris, France. ESI soon became known as a pioneer in the growing discipline of virtual prototyping, with a specific emphasis on the physics of materials. Using rapidly developing computer technologies, the company created an innovative suite of software applications to accurately model real-world product behaviors.
An international iron casting simulation leader
From small beginnings, ESI Groups has grown to become an international leader in the full range of virtual product prototyping, including specific applications for iron casting simulations. Today, the company has a team of more than 1,000 employees, with specialists in 40 different countries covering all aspects of prototyping. ESI is a truly international company, with almost 85% of revenues generated outside of France. With those revenues approaching 110 million euros, ESI is a major player in the market, with a keen eye for innovation that creates better solutions for its clients.