This paper deals with modelling of surface hardness in investment casting as a case study of ball valve spherical disc. Three controllable factors of the investment casting process (namely, volume/surface area ratio of components, slurry layer combination and type of metal/metal pouring temperature) were studied by Taguchi’s parametric approach, and single-response optimisation was conducted to identify the main factors controlling surface hardness. Investment casting was prepared with aluminium, mild steel and stainless steel at recommended parameters. The microstructure analysis supported with cooling curves has been presented. The result of the study suggests that the surface hardness of investment casting can be improved significantly by controlling the type of metal. Confirmation experiments were conducted for final validation of model.
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