Characterization of Globular Microstructure in NMS Processed Aluminum A356 Alloy: The Role of Casting Size

Abstract:

Semi-solid processing (SSP) technology, due to its ability to provide near-net-shape components with properties far exceeding those of other casting technologies is considered as an alternative for forgings and investment castings. Conventional semi-solid forming, involving the use of heated billets, melt stirring or using cooling slopes require many processing steps and supplementary equipments. This article describes Narrow Melt Stream (NMS), as an alternative process for semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys that eliminates capital cost expenditures, reduces the number of steps required, and hence reduces the costs of making components with a globular structure. However, the applicability of this technique in producing globular structures in the large molds has not been explored. In the present study the results of a systematic investigation on the effects of mold size on the size and morphology of the globular structures formed by NMS processing of Al 356 alloy is reported. For this purpose, five different series of molds were employed. Each series consisted of three molds with identical volumes but different casting moduluses. By using these molds, the effects of casting modulus at constant casting size as well as the effect of casting volume on the size and shape factor of the globular structures in aluminum A356 samples prepared by NMS technique is reported.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 264-265)
• Pages: 1868-1877
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.264-265.1868
• Online since: June 2011
• Authors: Farshad Akhlaghi, Amir H.S. Farhood
• Keywords: Casting Modulus, Casting Size, Microstructure, Narrow Melt Stream (NMS)

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