Design Element  | Suggestions (Industry Standard Values)  | Reasons and Benefits  | 
|---|
Wall Thickness  | Typical range: 3 - 8 mm (ideal ~5 mm)  |  Ensures proper metal flow, solidification, and reduces risk of shrinkage and porosity.   | 
Corner Radii  | Minimum internal radii: 2 - 4 mm  | Reduces stress concentrations, improves flow characteristics, prevents cracking.  | 
Draft Angles  | Draft angle: typically 2° - 4° per side  |  Facilitates easy part removal from the mold, reduces mold wear and surface imperfections.   | 
Fillets  | Minimum internal fillet radii: 2 mm  | Promotes metal flow, reduces stress concentration, and improves structural integrity.  | 
Hole Sizes  | Minimum hole diameter: 3 - 5 mm  | Ensures mold filling, prevents incomplete castings, and reduces defect risks.  | 
Undercuts  | Avoid or minimize undercuts  |  Simplifies mold design, reduces complexity, and minimizes production costs and defects.   | 
Surface Finish  | Typical gravity casting roughness: Ra 6.3 - 12.5 µm  | Provides a balance between achievable surface quality and cost efficiency.  | 
Tolerances  | Typical linear tolerance: ±0.5 mm per 25 mm  | Represents achievable accuracy; tighter tolerances typically increase cost.  | 
Text and Logos  | Minimum text/logo depth/height: ≥ 1 mm  |  Ensures visibility and clarity in casting, suitable for gravity casting surface finish.   | 
Ribs and Gussets  | Thickness approximately 60 - 80% of adjacent walls  |  Adds structural strength without excessive shrinkage, porosity, or stress concentration.   | 
Parting Line  | Position at widest cross-section, simple and flat  |  Reduces flash and defects, simplifies mold construction, and improves cosmetic quality.   | 
Machining Allowance  | Typical allowance: 1.5 - 4 mm  | Allows sufficient material for accurate machining and achieving final dimensions.  |