College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Materials Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Materials Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Materials Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Materials Engineering
Date
6-2020
Primary Advisor
Blair London, College of Engineering, Materials Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
PCC Structurals aims to improve the quality and consistency of their ceramic mold production for their investment casting processes to decrease product loss figures. Although their current production processes result in acceptable quantities of high-quality molds, a significant percentage of defective molds are produced. These defective molds cause appreciable product loss due to casting defects and mold failure. Available literature dictates that high-quality investment casting molds must exhibit fracture strengths within a desired range in order to perform adequately. However, information regarding specific firing procedures which consistently result in ceramic mold strengths within this range is not readily available. To address this problem, a proposed project aimed to compare the resultant strength values exhibited by ceramic mold samples of various firing histories to quantify the effect of temperature on the firing process. Testing methods and analysis techniques to accomplish the project goals included mechanical bend testing to find the modulus of rupture (MOR) followed by statistical analysis of the experimental values to determine the significance of the results. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the scope of this project was altered to interpret the data obtained earlier in the school year and provide recommendations for future project iterations.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/matesp/226