Where does the coefficient come from?

Divide a measured reference solidification time by its casting modulus squared, using matching alloy, mold and pouring conditions.

Is solidification time enough before shakeout?

No. Add the separately qualified cooling and handling periods required for this casting and process.

Use the effective heat-transfer area defined by the calibration method. Do not mix a different treatment of cores, feeders or insulated surfaces.

No. It is a calibrated modulus comparison; complex geometry and changing boundary conditions need a more detailed model.

Foundry & Forging calculator

Estimate solidification from a calibrated casting modulus, then reserve qualified cooling and handling time inside your mold-occupancy window.

Estimate solidification from a calibrated casting modulus, then reserve qualified cooling and handling time inside your mold-occupancy window.

Casting modulus = section volume ÷ effective cooling surface area
Solidification minutes = calibrated coefficient × casting modulus²
Required occupancy = solidification time + qualified cooling + handling reserve
Window remaining = mold occupancy window − required occupancy
Available solidification time = occupancy window − qualified cooling − handling reserve

Casting Section Volume: Volume of the modeled section from the casting model.
Effective Cooling Surface Area: Heat-transfer surface area matching the calibration method.
Calibrated Solidification Coefficient: Measured solidification time divided by reference modulus squared.
Additional Qualified Cooling: Approved time after solidification to the required handling condition.
Handling Reserve: Scheduled handling time beyond the qualified cooling period.
Mold Occupancy Window: Available time before the mold or station is needed.

Best suited to a shorter mold window is Insufficient, a longer mold window adds scheduling margin.
Complex sections, chills and feeding interactions can invalidate the simple modulus model. The estimate does not authorize shakeout or establish a handling temperature.

The producer price index for steel mill products stands at 381.162 (BLS, Aug 2026), up 23.4% from a year earlier. Quotes priced off last quarter's material cost miss this move.
The U.S. has 3,569 primary metal manufacturing establishments employing about 354,911 workers (Census County Business Patterns, 2023).

Where does the coefficient come from? Divide a measured reference solidification time by its casting modulus squared, using matching alloy, mold and pouring conditions.
Is solidification time enough before shakeout? No. Add the separately qualified cooling and handling periods required for this casting and process.
Which surface area should I use? Use the effective heat-transfer area defined by the calibration method. Do not mix a different treatment of cores, feeders or insulated surfaces.
Can this replace a casting simulation? No. It is a calibrated modulus comparison; complex geometry and changing boundary conditions need a more detailed model.

Last reviewed 2026-10-06.