Mechanical and Microstructural Investigations on a Symmetric Mould Processed with Semi-Solid Aluminum RheoMetal^TM: Analysis of the As-Cast Proprieties

Abstract:

High-pressure die-casting (HPDC) can be a productive process for high-quality cast aluminium alloy components. However, it is also a process prone to generate defects, such as gas porosities and incomplete fillings, resulting in rejections. One way to reduce the reject rate is to employ Semi-Solid Metal processing with HPDC. The most important advantages of Semi-Solid alloys are reduced shrinkage defects, fewer gas porosities, and fewer chances of filling-related problems. To take full advantage of a semi-solid metal slurry, the casting process must be controlled meticulously to reach homogeneous casting quality and high process repeatability. A study has been conducted on cast parts composed of two-dimensional symmetrical cavities. From the mechanical tests, unexpected differences emerged in both tensile strength and fracture elongation, which were confirmed by differences in the microstructure. The paper investigates the reasons for the asymmetry in the proprieties to avoid similar problems in future studies and maximize the effectiveness and repeatability of the high-pressure die-casting process.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 347)
• Pages: 47-52
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Duo22h
• Online since: August 2023
• Authors: Vittorio Magrin*, Ziyu Li, Anders E.W. Jarfors, Franco Bonollo
• Keywords: Defects, Fracture Elongation, Fracture Surface, High-Pressure Die-Casting, RheoMetal Process, Semi-Solid Casting, Slurry, Tensile Strength, Weibull Probability Function

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