Simulation, or modeling, is a powerful technique for conducting much research, exploring designs and developing production prototypes. The jewelry industry has begun to adopt CAD/CAM in design and limited production of plastic models but does not yet use simulation as an analytical design tool. This paper explores the current limitations, in relation to the small-scale accurate casting process at relatively high temperatures, and shows that the data fed into the computer and the formulae it applies must be accurate to an adequate degree or errors will be replicated. Simulation is already a very powerful training technique, particularly for casting, but extending its accuracy requires more accurate knowledge and data. Sensitivity analysis and calibration against real-life casting data can help provide this kind of information. Using both techniques together would be mutually reinforcing but this is research, not direct tailor-made problem solving for jewelry casters. However, with good collaboration on building the database, an agency advisory service for jewelry casters is a possibility within a few years.

Author: Dr. John C. Wright