Solidification Time Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Alloy and mold preset

Presets fill typical starting values. Final calibration should come from your process data.

Casting volume

Casting volume unit

Effective cooling surface area

Surface area unit

Mold constant B (seconds/cmⁿ)

Exponent n

Superheat factor

Interface correction factor

Safety factor

Riser volume (optional)

Riser volume unit

Riser cooling surface area (optional)

Riser surface area unit

Display output unit

Formula Used

This calculator applies a Chvorinov-style relation and then multiplies it by engineering correction factors for superheat, metal-mold interface behavior, and design margin.

Base relation: t_base = B × (V / A)ⁿ

Corrected relation: t_corrected = t_base × F_superheat × F_interface × F_safety

Riser check: Riser factor = t_riser / t_casting

V is casting volume, A is effective cooling surface area, B is the mold constant, and n is usually close to 2 for many foundry studies.

A higher modulus means slower heat extraction, so the predicted freezing time rises quickly as section thickness increases.

How to Use This Calculator

Choose a preset if you want starting values for a common alloy and mold combination.
Enter casting volume and effective cooling surface area using the units that match your design data.
Set the mold constant and exponent from plant records, published trials, or calibrated simulation output.
Adjust superheat, interface, and safety factors to reflect process conditions and desired design margin.
Optionally add riser dimensions to compare feeder freezing time against the casting time.
Press the calculate button to show the result above the form, review the chart, and export the output.

Example Data Table

Case	Volume (cm³)	Area (cm²)	Modulus (cm)	B	n	Correction product	Estimated time (min)
Steel casting sample	600	300	2.00	210	2.00	1.1680	16.35
Matched riser sample	220	88	2.50	210	2.00	1.1680	25.54
Thin section aluminum	180	180	1.00	125	2.00	1.1020	2.30
High chill mold part	450	360	1.25	60	2.00	0.9724	1.52

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does solidification time mean?

It is the predicted time for molten metal to freeze inside the mold. Foundry engineers use it to size risers, compare sections, and manage shrinkage risk.

2. Why is modulus so important?

Modulus is volume divided by cooling area. A larger modulus usually means slower heat loss, longer freezing time, and greater feeding demand.

3. What mold constant should I enter?

Use a value calibrated from plant trials, simulations, or trusted references for the same alloy and mold system. The constant strongly influences the final result.

4. Why are there correction factors?

Real castings are affected by superheat, coating behavior, contact resistance, and process margin. The factors help adapt the base relation to actual shop conditions.

5. How should I use the riser comparison?

A riser should generally freeze later than the casting. If the riser factor is too low, increase feeder modulus or reduce feeder heat loss.

6. Can this calculator replace casting simulation?

No. It is a fast engineering estimate. Detailed solidification maps, hot spots, and directional feeding still require trial data or simulation software.

7. Which surface area should I enter?

Use the effective area that actually transfers heat to the mold. Exclude surfaces that do not cool normally or are insulated by process design.

8. Does the exponent always equal two?

Not always. Two is common, but some alloys, mold materials, and calibration methods use other values. Match the exponent to your chosen constant.