Analysis

At first analysis, it was felt that with using the 12x18 inch flask that four (4) C-clamps could be produced with one matchplate. This means that there would be four flasks for pouring and would result in 16 C-clamps the maximum needed for the machining class at Central Washington University.

However, after the first 3-D printing of 2 clamps we aligned the clamps with the flask and determined from the placement that the 12x18inch flask would not be big enough to allow successful pouring of 4 C-clamps. Possible safety issues, and other violations.

With this information, it was decided that the matchplate would hold 2 C-clamps for each 12x14 inch flask, this would reduce the amount of green sand needed for each mold and would still require the same amount of molten metal. The only downside would be the number of flasks would increase from four (4) to eight (8). As of this report, there is enough space in the foundry to allow eight (8) flasks of this size to be molded at the same time.