The solution of the optimization problems in equipment and technology foundry

The aim of this article is to show the possibilities of modeling the results of designing the technology of foundry molds for the subsequent optimization of design and technological solutions to improve the foundry equipment, as well as the principles of setting and solving optimization problems for choosing the design of parts of foundry equipment. The object of research is some technological solutions for the design of casting mold technology and design solutions for equipment, using the example of a centrifugal mixer for the production of molding and core sand. Examples of the implementation of real diploma projects with a demonstration of the principles of optimization of technological solutions according to the criterion of reducing metal consumption by optimizing the allowances for machining and design solutions for optimizing the parameters of the gearing in the mixer drive are considered. Methods for researching projected technological objects that are appropriate in production conditions are proposed: dimensional analysis, determination of sample distribution functions, method of Lagrange multipliers. The procedure for applying these methods to solve specific practical optimization problems is described. It is shown that the use of the proposed approaches in the preparation of research work at the master's level in the specialty "Equipment and technology of foundry", contributes to the formation of practical skills for further use in industrial production. These results can be used to form possible directions for improving the educational process for masters studying in the specialty "Equipment and technology of foundry", at the stage of diploma design. The acquisition of relevant skills by masters is practically useful for the subsequent solution of applied research problems in practical conditions after employment in metallurgical departments of industrial enterprises. The use of such skills can make it possible for an enterprise to obtain economic benefits by reducing resource costs and increasing the performance of equipment.