B. Ravi

Abstract: Advanced technologies such as automation, CAD and simulation that are being adapted in metal casting industry require technically qualified human resources. There is however, a severe shortage of competent teachers in this field. To overcome this gap, IIT Bombay has developed E-Foundry (http://efoundry.iitb.ac.in), comprising free online learning resources in casting design and simulation based on teaching and research work accumulated over the last 20 years. The heart of E-Foundry is a cloud-based Simulation Lab, which allows users to upload their CAD models and view solidification simulation results within minutes. This is supported by virtual classroom, library, tutorial, projects, and discussion hub. Several hundred teachers in different institutes have been trained to use these resources to support their own theory and lab courses. In the last one year, over 38,000 people from all over the world have visited the site, and over 4000 castings have been simulated online. These learning resources are benefitting a much larger number and geographic distribution of students, teachers and industry professionals, compared to conventional courses. This is expected to help revive interest in metal casting, leading to better human resources for not only working in industry, but also to engage in research and development.

Keywords: Metal casting, design, simulation, internet, cloud computing, education, training.