Near-Net Shape Features

Design for Near-Net Shape

The final design for the coupler requires that the four tabs on the ring have a final thickness of 0.445” and that the ring circumference be machined for balancing

The drawing to the right shows three areas (highlighted in red) where machining was required on the original design.

Outer faces of the tabs

Inner faces of the tabs

Outer circumference of the ring for balancing the coupler.

Casting technology provides more near-net shape flexibility, offering--
--Sharper and more rapid geometric transitions between sections.
-- Greater detail and tighter tolerances in thin sections

This offers the opportunity to eliminate or reduce machining requirements, as compared to other fabrication methods.

Choose two features
(Inner Tab Face, Outer Tab Face, Outer Circumference)
where the near-net shape capability of casting would eliminate or reduce the machining requirements.

An Example in Ductile Iron Casting The Universal Joint Coupler