Simulation software dedicated for design of casting processes is usually tested and calibrated by comparisons of shrinkage defects

distribution predicted by the modelling with that observed in real castings produced in a given foundry. However, a large amount of

expertise obtained from different foundries, including especially made experiments, is available from literature, in the form of

recommendations for design of the rigging systems. This kind of information can be also used for assessment of the simulation predictions.

In the present work two parameters used in the design of feeding systems are considered: feeding ranges in horizontal and vertical plates as

well as efficiency (yield) of feeders of various shapes. The simulation tests were conducted using especially designed steel and aluminium

castings with risers and a commercial FDM based software. It was found that the simulations cannot predict appearance of shrinkage

porosity in horizontal and vertical plates of even cross-sections which would mean, that the feeding ranges are practically unlimited. The

yield of all types of feeders obtained from the simulations appeared to be much higher than that reported in the literature. It can be

concluded that the feeding flow modelling included in the tested software does not reflect phenomena responsible for the feeding processes

in real castings properly. Further tests, with different types of software and more fundamental studies on the feeding process modelling

would be desirable.

The demand for castings of high quality and sound work is nowadays very high. The production of sound castings without foundry errors is the big issue in modern foundries. Foundry simulation software can do a lot to help improve the disposition of castings, gating system and feeder system, and assure good filling and solidification conditions, and also produce sound casting without the need of the old method of "try and error". One can easily change a lot of parameters for filling and solidification, and create the best proposal for production. Connor inlets have two functions. One is that it serves as an ingate, through which molten metal passes and comes into the mould cavity. The second function is that it serves as a feeder and substitutes the metal contracted during solidification and cooling of the castings. It can also save quite a lot of metal in comparison to classic feeders.