在Windows 7下安裝SOLIDCast

一些使用者尋問SOLIDCast與Windows 7的相容性，我們正努力改進SOLIDCast使其能與Windows 7及Vista完全相容，並移除並現階段必需擁有系統管理員權限才可執行。在新的版本釋出前，請依循下列步驟在Windows 7下使用SOLIDCast

請勿安裝我們所提供Vista Update修正檔，此為針對Vista環境下之更新檔。

根擬我們的測試，SOLIDCast 7.2.、及FLOWCast及OPTICast可在Windows 7底下執行，請依如下之步驟執行。

‧ 在Windows 7底下執行SOLIDCast，必需安裝XP Mode。

必需注意的是你的CPU是否支援是否有Intel VT、AMD-V，才能使用XP Mode

‧ 目前可安裝XP Mode的Windows 7版本為Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise及 Windows 7 Ultimate. 建議您使用64bit版本的Windows 7.

‧ 至Microsoft網頁下載檢測工具確認是否電腦可安裝XP Mode，及下載安裝XP Mode。

上圖為下載程序，需選擇系統版本及語言後，請依下安裝順序:
(1)下載安裝XP MODE及安裝。
(2)下載安裝Virtual PC。

當XP Mode安裝完成，選擇所有程式> Windows Virtual PC > Windows XP Mode，及可開始使用XP Mode。

‧ 如圖，XP Mode的視窗，在此視窗內安裝SOLIDCast、FLOWCast及 OPTICast。

‧ 當您在XP Mode安裝成功後，必需向你的SOLIDCast供應商要求新的回應碼。

‧ SOLIDCast成功啟動後，您可在Windows 7的功能表中直接啟動SOLIDCast。安裝在XPM裡的程式，其捷徑可顯示在Windows 7，或在Windows 7執行這類捷徑，就會啟動XPM及程式。

Tips：複製到XPM『所有使用者/開始功能表/程式集』資料夾裡的捷徑，會出現在Windows 7開始功能表的『Virtual Windows XP Applications』資料夾

‧XP Mode啟動時，預設之記憶體為256MB，做模擬時需求更多的記憶體，請依步設定

點選 開始( >Windows Virtual PCMenu. 將看到如下視窗：

• 點選上方之“設定“按鈕
• 調整XP Mode所分配的記憶體大小

點選“確定“

在Vista下安裝Solidcast

隨著Windows Vista的推出，其可支援4GB記憶體的優勢，更何況現在RAM是如此的便宜，對於Solidcast使用者而言，無疑是一項引誘，在XP作業系統下，曾接受過的記憶體不足的訊息，希望能再Vista底下不再出現。當然，這只是其中之一，也有可能是電腦原本就配備了Vista系統而不得不用。不論是何種理由，對Solidcast的使用者而言，我們最關心的事情即為，到底Solidcast能不能在Vista下安裝呢。答案是可以的。隨著官方釋出的修正檔，現在Solidcast已經可以在Vista正確執行了。安裝的步驟如下：

Ⅰ.首先安裝Solidcast，最新版本為7.2.2版。點選這裡下載

Ⅱ.安裝Solidcast，當您安裝時，將出現一到二個錯誤訊息，顯示檔案未被正確的安裝，點選忽略， 繼續執類安裝程序。

Ⅲ. 安裝完畢後，執行SolidcastVista.exe。點選這裡下載

Ⅳ.在Solidcast圖示上按滑鼠右鍵，點選內容，選擇相容性設訂頁面，如下圖中紅框處設定：


依以上步驟，您的Solidcast即可正確的執行了！

假如你的新電腦是裝VISTA系統??

few customers have made inquiries about SOLIDCast's compatibility with Windows Vista. We are working on changes to SOLIDCast to make it compatible with Vista, and to remove the requirement to run SOLIDCast as a "Power User". Until then, please use the following guidelines to get it to work.
Based on our testing, SOLIDCast 7.0.2, along with FLOWCast and OPTICast, is able to run under Windows Vista under the following conditions:
SOLIDCast must be installed while logged in as an Administrator. This has always been a requirement in every version of Windows since the release of Windows 2000.
When you run the installer you may see one or two error message boxes listing up to six files which failed to be installed properly. Ignore these messages and do not cancel the installation.
Once the installer is completed, apply the SOLIDCast Vista Update, which can be found on the website by clicking here.
You must use Administrator or an Administrator-equivalent account when running SOLIDCast under Vista. SOLIDCast requires "Power User" privileges when running under Windows XP. "Power User", as a concept, has been removed from Windows altogether with the Vista release.
You must configure the SOLIDCast start icon to run the program "As Administrator".

Configure similar settings for all users, if desired.
Each time SOLIDCast runs, Vista's User Access Security may prompt you to elevate privileges. If you choose not to disable this feature, you will be prompted to elevate each time you run SOLIDCast.

FCC Custom Criteion(FCC自訂函數)-找微縮孔

The FCC Criterion is a calculation that was developed by Franco Chiesa of the Collège de Trois-Rivières (Québec) for prediction of total evolved microporosity in aluminum castings. This criterion is based on a calculation involving Local Solidification Time (time from Liquidus to Solidus) and Solidification Wavefront Velocity at each point in the casting. In moderately degassed aluminum castings, this criterion gives an estimate of the total percent structural microporosity at each point in the casting. SOLIDCast now includes a menu item that allows this calculation to be performed as stored as a Custom Criterion function that can then be plotted.

It has been found that this calculation can also give useful results in other alloys (such as iron and steel) for prediction of areas of potential microporosity. This criterion also has proven useful in identifying thermal centers within castings, so that, for example, the location of possible secondary shrinkage in iron castings might be displayed.

The range of numbers that will be developed for any given casting depends on the alloy and the geometry of the casting, so it is not possible to say ahead of time what a critical range should be for a particular casting. In general, the higher the number, the more potential for microporosity formation. It has been suggested that, to establish a starting point for plotting, look at a number that is at about 40% of the total range. For example, if the total range in a casting is from 0 to 1.9, then a number at about 40% of this range would be 0.76. This might be a good value to start plotting. Numbers higher than this will generally show less of indications in the casting (the “more severe” areas) while lower numbers will generally show more indications (“less severe” areas).

Using the FCC Criterion in SOLIDCast is a two-step process:

1. After a simulation is complete, double-click the Simulation icon on the Project Tree to display the Simulation Status window, then close the Simulation Status window. Select Simulation… Calculate FCC Custom Criterion from the main menu.

2. After the calculation is complete, again double-click the Simulation icon on the Project Tree to display the Simulation Status window again. This action loads the minimum and maximum values from the FCC calculation into the system. Now close the Simulation Status window and select a plot. For example, select Simulation… Plot Iso-Surface. Under Select Data Type, click on the selection arrow, and find and select Custom – High. The range of the FCC Criterion will be displayed, and you can then begin plotting values.

如何利用材料密度(Material density)找到縮孔?

這個功能是利用計算鑄件的收縮率及流動的液態金屬液凝固的情況來預估結果.
材料密度函數(Material density criterion)由電腦算出來的值為0到1,這個值表示的意義為金屬液從澆鑄結束到鑄件完全凝固這段時間,鑄造金屬所發生密度變化的現象.

Value = 0 0% Metal 100% Porosity
Value = 0.90 90% Metal 10% Porosity
Value = 0.99 99% Metal 1% Porosity
Value = 1.0 100% Metal 0% Porosity

一般我們找到縮孔的經驗值是0.9到1之間,概念上來解釋--當你發現縮恐產生在冒口或是鑄件內部時,一般都是以巢孔的狀態產生,而這些巢孔的的密度約為原鑄件要求密度的90%左右,所以當我們在欄位中輸入0.9時,若看到畫面中有顏色標出區塊或是點狀,即為縮孔可能產生位置.

材質資料庫的設定

當我們要開始一次新的模擬(simulation)時,我們要做的第一部就是設定材質資料庫(Material database). 當我們選進了資料庫中, 有四大類的資料是需要我們去做設定及觀察的.

第一部份: 鑄件材料(Casting matetial), 我們要開始選取所要澆鑄的金屬及特性, 以鑄鐵來舉例: 我們可以仙傲資料庫中選取鑄鐵(內建的資料有五種基本鑄鐵--三種灰口鑄鐵(GI), 兩種球墨鑄鐵(DI)), 當我們選取好標準鑄鐵後,我們緊接就要設定此鑄件所用的澆鑄溫度(initail temp.), 其他的參數如:傳導率.比熱.潛熱.等都可以不用設定,只需利用內建好的數值進行計算即可.(FSI內建的參數是根據美國ASTM handbook來建立)

第二部份: 鑄模材料(mold material), 以砂模為例: 我需要選擇矽砂(silica sand),如果有使用保溫套則需要選擇Exo sleeve或是Insulate sleeve,其他若有使用在模內的任何東西,就要加入模擬的物件計算. 註: 環境溫度代表澆鑄場的平均室溫

第三部份: 根據我們第一部份所選定的鑄造金屬,會自動畫出兩條線(白色的是冷卻曲線, 深色的是體績收縮曲線), 只有鑄鐵需要另外依據成份作設定,其他金屬皆以內建之特性曲線來模擬即可,如鑄鋼.鑄鋁.鑄銅等.

第四部份: 傳導係數設定, 此處先以外部熱傳係數作說明, 當我們進行砂模鑄造模擬時, 外部熱傳係數以9-12為範圍使用. 精密鑄造(此定義為脫蠟鑄造), 則將外部熱傳係數設在68-72間. 金屬模鑄造(如重力鑄造,低壓鑄造)則設定在45-50間.

Error 429: ActiveX can't create object

This error indicates that one of the component files which SOLIDCast requires in order to run has been damaged, or its entry in the Windows System Registry has been corrupted. To correct this error, run the SOLIDCastUpdate.exe update program. This will restore component files and refresh all SOLIDCast entries in the Windows System Registry. (Be sure to be logged in as SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR if performing this function under Windows NT, 2000 or XP Pro.)

Use CFS time function to predict "Shrinkage"

Critical Fraction Solid Time records the time, in minutes, for each part of the casting to reach the Critical Fraction Solid Point. This is the point at which the alloy is solid enough that liquid feed metal can no longer flow. Therefore, for judging directionality of solidification, and whether any isolated areas have formed within the casting that cannot be fed by risers, Critical Fraction Solid Time is generally a better indication than Solidification Time. Plotting Critical Fraction Solid Time gives a good indication of whether any contraction that forms will be able to be fed by liquid feed metal within the risers or feeders.
The areas that appear as isolated pools of molten metal will not be able to receive feed metal from the risers if any contraction should occur during cooling and solidification.

This plot is interpreted in the same manner as Solidification Time. That is, you want a good progression from the edges of the casting, in towards the riser contacts, and out into the risers themselves.