Soundcast workplan in six work packages

The project answers a technological need felt by a large community of European small foundries, so the work plan follows a bottom-up, industry driven approach.

WP1 Coordination and management

Covers every aspect of project management and control that makes sure the objectives are met on time and within budget.

WP2 System modelling and porosity reduction

Focuses on the VPDC parameters that relate directly to porosity formation and on good practice to avoid it: numerical simulation, process parameters and lubrication. Statistical methods identify the main parameters behind porosity.

WP3 Mechanical property improvement

Optimises every mechanical property that is not tied to porosity: the composition of the new recycled alloys, the melt and heat treatment, and a suitable control for the new melt treatments (silicon modification and degassing). Process parameters are adapted to the recycled alloy.

WP4 Welding process optimisation

Establishes a lubrication technique and a welding process that allow the new recycled alloys to be used for structural applications in vehicles.

WP5 Demonstration

Shows the new VPDC technology and recycled alloys working under industrial conditions in each participating foundry. The demonstrators are validated by X-ray tomography, metallographic analysis, tensile testing and a welding test.

WP6 Dissemination and exploitation of results

An important part of the project: spreading and using the results, with training activities foreseen for foundry personnel.