DOI: 10.36347/sjet

Pages: 383-387

An optimization technique for sand casting process parameters based on the Taguchi method is reported in this paper. While keeping some casting parameters constant, aluminium alloy castings were prepared by sand casting technique varying three different parameters, namely; the mould temperature, pouring temperature and runner size. Tensile tests were done for the resulted castings. The settings of parameters were determined by using the Taguchi experimental design method. The level of importance of the parameters on the ultimate tensile strength was determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum parameter combination was obtained by using the analysis of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. Analysis of the results show that 100oC mould temperature, 700oC pouring temperature, and 285mm2 runner size are the optimal values of the factors and offer the highest ultimate tensile strength of 87.92N/mm2. The pouring temperature was the most influential parameter on the ultimate tensile strength of the castings. The result of this work can be employed for research purposes and in sand casting production processes where it is obvious that the percentage of defective castings is still high.