This paper describes a proposed project to provide knowledge based support for the "methoding" and design of casting procedures prior to the casting of metal products. The successful casting of a predesigned shape is vitally dependent upon the skill and experience of the foundry engineer, who performs a task known as methoding the design, in order to determine a number of key elements prior to manufacture. The methoding process involves such decisions as the orientation of the shape, the positions and sizing of feeder reservoirs, allowing for metal contraction during freezing, the positioning of chills to force freezing in some areas, and the sizing and positioning of the running system in order to ensure suitable mould-filling.

The project objectives are to produce a computer based support system capable of giving advice on methoding design, to produce a geometric feature analysis tool, capable of representing features of importance to casting design and to produce a database of example cases for direct user retrieval.

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