Mechanisms of Soldering Formation on Coated Core Pins

Die soldering is one of the major casting defects during the high-pressure die casting (HPDC) process, causing dimensional inaccuracy of the castings and increased downtimes of the HPDC machine. In this study, we analyzed actually failed core pins to determine the mechanism of soldering and its procedures. The results show that the soldering process starts from a local coating failure, involves a series of intermetallic phase formation from reactions between molten aluminum alloys and the H13 steel pin, and accelerates when an aluminum-rich, face-centered cubic (fcc) phase is formed between the intermetallic phases. It is the formation of the aluminum-rich fcc phase in the reaction region that joins the core pin with the casting, resulting in the sticking of the casting to the core pin. When undercuts are formed on the core pin, the ejection of castings from the die will lead to either a core pin failure or damages to the casting being ejected.     

Die soldering: Mechanism of the interface reaction between molten aluminum alloy and tool steel

Die soldering is the result when molten aluminum sticks to the surface of the die material and remains there after the ejection of the part; it results in considerable economic and production losses in the casting industry, and is a major quality detractor. In order to alleviate or mitigate die soldering, one must have a thorough understanding of the mechanism by which the aluminum sticks to the die material. A key question is whether the die soldering reaction is diffusion controlled or interface controlled. A set of diffusion couple experiments between molten aluminum alloy and the ferrous die was carried out. The results of the diffusion couple experiments showed that soldering is a diffusional process. When aluminum comes in contact with the ferrous die material, the iron and the aluminum atoms diffuse into each other resulting in the formation of a series of intermetallic phases over the die material. Initially iron and aluminum react with each other to form binary iron-aluminum intermetallic phases. Subsequently, these phases react with the molten aluminum to further form ternary iron-aluminum-silicon intermetallic phases. Iron and aluminum have a great affinity for each other and the root cause of die soldering is the high reaction kinetics, which exists between iron and aluminum. Once the initial binary and ternary intermetallic phase layers are formed over the die material, the aluminum sticks to the die due to the abnormally low thermal conductivity of the intermetallic phases, and due to favorable interface energies between the intermetallic layers and aluminum. The experimental details, the results of the interface reactions, and the analysis leading to the establishment of the mechanism giving rise to die soldering are reviewed discussed.     

Interfacial Heat Transfer during Die Casting of an Al-Si-Cu Alloy

The relationship between in-cavity pressure, heat flux, and heat-transfer coefficient during high-pressure die casting of an Al-9 pct Si-3 pct Cu alloy was investigated. Detailed measurements were performed using infrared probes and thermocouple arrays that accurately determine both casting and die surface temperatures during the pressure die casting of an aluminum A380 alloy. Concurrent in-cavity pressure measurements were also performed. These measurements enabled the correlation between in-cavity pressure and accurate heat-transfer coefficients in high-pressure die-casting operations.     

Nickel-aluminides/steel clad pipe fabricated by reactive centrifugal casting method from liquid aluminum and solid nickel

A novel method to produce an aluminide/steel clad pipe has been proposed. The method is based on a combination of the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction and centrifugal casting, and is named the reactive centrifugal casting method. Nickel powder was placed on a rotating steel pipe, and aluminum liquid was poured into the steel pipe. The aluminum liquid and nickel powder exothermically reacted and produced a composite layer consisting of nickel aluminides on the inner surface of the steel pipe. The heat generated by the exothermic reaction melted the inner surface of the steel pipe and bonded the composite layer to the steel. It was found that increases in centrifugal force generated by rotating the steel pipe, the pouring temperature of the aluminum, and the preheating temperature of the nickel and steel remarkably promote the reaction between nickel and aluminum. In addition, the amounts of initial aluminum and nickel were found to play an important role in controlling the microstructure of the composite layer. Thus, the aluminide/steel clad pipe can be successfully fabricated by the proposed reactive centrifugal casting method.     

Die thermal behavior in machine casting of partially solid high temperature alloys

Experimental measurements and computer simulations of die thermal behavior during machine (die) casting of fully liquid and partially solid bronze alloy 905 were carried out. Ingots of the alloy were heated to temperatures above the liquidus and in the liquidsolid range in a reheat furnace. The partially solidified charge was previously made in a continuous slurry producer. Castings were made in both a low pressure laboratory machine and a high pressure commercial die casting machine. In both casting machines used, the maximum die temperature and the initial rate of temperature change in the die, at ∼0.014 in. from the casting-die interface, were significantly lower when a partially solid charge material was used. For example, measured die temperatures in the high pressure commercial machine were 475°C and 165°C above the initial die temperature when the bronze alloy was cast in the 100°C superheated state and the partially solid (volume fraction solid ∼0.57) state, respectively. Correlation of computer predictions and measured die temperatures have been used to calculate values of the heat transfer coefficient at the casting-die interface. Using these values, the maximum die surface temperature and die surface temperature gradients are calculated. The values of maximum surface temperature obtained are 800°C and 315°C for a superheated (100°C) liquid charge and a partially solid (volume fraction solid ∼0.57) charge, respectively. The corresponding surface temperature gradients are 5640°C/cm and 718°C/cm, respectively. The reduced thermal shock experienced by the die when a partially solid metal alloy is cast should improve die life considerably over conventional practice. Formerly Graduate Student at M.I.T.     

Migration of crystals during the filling of semi-solid castings

In cold-chamber high-pressure die castings (HPDC), the microstructure consists of coarse externally solidified crystals (ESCs) that are commonly observed in the central region of cross sections. In the present work, controlled laboratory scale casting experiments have been conducted with particular emphasis on the flow and solidification conditions. An A356 aluminum alloy was used to produce castings by pouring semi-solid metal through a steel die. Microstructures similar to those encountered in HPDC have been produced and the resulting microstructure is found to depend on the melt and die temperature: (1) the fraction of ESCs determines the extent of migration to the central region; (2) a maximum packing determines the area fraction of ESCs in the center; and (3) the die temperature affects the position of the ESCs—a higher die temperature can induce a displaced ESC distribution. It is found that the migration of crystals to the central region requires a flow, which is constrained at all melt/die interfaces. Furthermore, potential lift mechanisms are discussed. An assessment of the Saffman lift force on individual particles shows it has no significant effect on the migration of ESCs.     

铝合金压铸用模具钢表面的渗铝氧化处理

对8407模具钢试样进行热浸渗铝,在试样表面形成了Fe-Al合金渗层.对渗铝试样进行高温氧化实验,使渗层表面形成了Fe-Al-O的混合氧化物.考察了渗铝温度和渗铝时间对渗层质量的影响;着重研究了不同氧化气氛下Fe-Al合金表面的氧化情况,确定了最佳高温氧化工艺.结果表明,8407钢热浸镀铝后,在600 ℃以下、纯O2气氛条件下氧化,Fe-Al合金表面生成了Fe3O4和Al2O的混合物.这层氧化膜与铝液不润湿,能较好地保护试样.因此这种工艺可能是合适的铝合金压铸模表面处理工艺.     

Segregation band formation in Al-Si die castings

Banded defects are often found in high-pressure die castings. These bands can contain segregation, porosity, and/or tears, and changing casting conditions and alloy are known to change the position and make-up of the bands. Due to the complex, dynamic nature of the high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) process, it is very difficult to study the effect of individual parameters on band formation. In the work presented here, bands of segregation similar to those found in cold-chamber HPDC aluminum alloys were found in laboratory gravity die castings. Samples were cast with a range of fraction solids from 0 to 0.3 and the effect of die temperature and external solid fraction on segregation bands was investigated. The results are considered with reference to the rheological properties of the filling semisolid metal and a formation mechanism for bands is proposed by considering flow past a solidifying immobile wall layer.     

液-固相轧制复合法生产含硅中锡/钢复合轴瓦带的凝固组织

采用液—固相轧制法可以稳定、连续生产AlSn8Si2．5Pb2Cu0．8Cr0．2覆钢双层轴瓦带。通过金相照片显示其组织与铸造组织相似，但柱状晶(胞状晶)更为细小、发达，组织内Si，Sn等元素分布均匀，在液—固相轧制复合工艺条件范围内，浇注温度对胞状晶组织结构有较大影响，退火则使Sn，Si元素聚集、球化。     

Development of a novel hypereutectic aluminum-siliconmagnesium alloy for die casting

A novel hypereutectic die casting Al-Si-Mg alloy with relatively high Mg content was developed. The optimized microstructure of the alloy is characterized by a fine dispersion of eutectic Si and Mg₂Si particles in an α-Al matrix which is devoid of primary silicon particles. Of the several modifiers used to refine the coarse morphology of the Mg₂Si particles, an optimum combination of strontium and misch metal yielded the best results. The refined microstructure after a standard T6 heat treatment accounts for the enhanced room temperature tensile properties of castings made from this alloy.     

Ultrasonic-Assisted Soldering of 5056 Aluminum Alloy Using Quasi-Melting Zn-Sn Alloy

To obtain sound butt-joints of 5056 aluminum alloy rods, ultrasonic-assisted soldering was conducted using Zn-18Sn and Zn-60Sn alloys. Each solder foil was inserted between rods of 5056 aluminum alloy. Ultrasonic vibration was propagated to faying surfaces at soldering temperatures below the liquidus temperature of the solder alloys, and then the samples were air cooled to room temperature. The optimum vibration time at the soldering temperature must be more than 2 seconds to have complete wetting and less than 4 seconds to avoid excessive dissolution of the 5056 alloy. The 5056 alloy joints soldered using quasi-melting. Zn-Sn alloys showed greater strength than the joints soldered at the temperatures over its respective liquidus temperature. As the soldering temperature was increased, the increased formation of the intermetallic compound Mg₂Sn or phases containing Mg generated by dissolution of 5056 into the solder layer decreased the joint strength. Ultrasonic-assisted soldering at an optimum temperature between solidus and liquidus of the Zn-Sn alloys is an important consideration for producing sound joints with sufficient strength.     

Experimental Study and Numerical Verification of Heat Transfer in Squeeze Casting of Aluminum Alloy A443

As an effective tool, simulation helps do the analysis and optimization in advance and undertake preventive action. A critical portion of casting simulation is the heat transfer at the metal/mold interface. However, it is difficult to determine the values of interfacial heat-transfer coefficients (IHTCs) in squeeze casting of aluminum alloys due to many influence factors. In this work, IHTCs were determined by using the inverse algorithm based on measured temperature histories and finite-difference analysis in a five-step squeeze casting of aluminum alloy A443. The results showed the IHTCs initially reached a maximum peak value followed by a gradually decline to a lower level. Similar characteristics of IHTC peak values were also observed at 30, 60, and 90?MPa applied pressures. With the applied pressure of 60?MPa, the peak IHTC values of aluminum alloy A443 from steps 1 to 5 varied from 5629?W/m²K to 9419?W/m²K. The comparison of the predicted cooling curves with the experimental measurement manifested the cooling temperatures calculated by the IHTC values determined in the current study were in the best agreement with experimental ones. The verification of the determined IHTC values demonstrates that the inverse algorithm is an effective tool for determination of the IHTC at the squeeze casting?Cdie interface.     

Migration of crystals during the filling of semi-solid castings

In cold-chamber high-pressure die castings (HPDC), the microstructure consists of coarse externally solidified crystals (ESCs) that are commonly observed in the central region of cross sections. In the present work, controlled laboratory scale casting experiments have been conducted with particular emphasis on the flow and solidification conditions. An A356 aluminum alloy was used to produce castings by pouring semi-solid metal through a steel die. Microstructures similar to those encountered in HPDC have been produced and the resulting microstructure is found to depend on the melt and die temperature: (1) the fraction of ESCs determines the extent of migration to the central region; (2) a maximum packing determines the area fraction of ESCs in the center; and (3) the die temperature affects the position of the ESCs—a higher die temperature can induce a displace ESC distribution. It is found that the migration of crystals to the central region requires a flow, which is constrained at all melt/die interfaces. Furthermore, potential lift mechanisms are discussed. An assessment of the Saffman lift force on individual particles shows it has no significant effect on the migration of ESCs. H.I. LAUKLI, Research Scientist, formerly with the Department of Materials Technology, NTNU, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway     

Study on Microstructure and Performance of Advanced Bush Strip

Therearemanykindsofbushmaterials ,suchasbabbitalloy ,copper leadalloy ,aluminum tinalloyandaluminum leadalloy .Therearisesabigdemandforthematerialusedinmotorastheautomotivein dustrydevelops .Inordertosatisfythedemandofhighspeedandlonglife ,anewbushmaterialAlSn8Si2 5Pb2 Cu0 8Cr0 2 (ASP ) [1] wasdevelopedinAmerica .Becausethedistributionsoftin ,silicon ,lead ,copperandchromiumareuniformanddisper sive ,thismaterialhasmanyadvantages ,suchasgoodantifriction ,highwearresistance ,goodfrictionc…     

Preparation and casting of metal-particulate non-metal composites

A new process for the preparation and casting of metal-particulate non-metal composites is described. Particulate composites of ceramic oxides and carbides and an Al-5 pet Si-2 pct Fe matrix were successfully prepared. From 10 to 30 wt pct of A1₂O₃, SiC, and up to 21 wt pct glass particles, ranging in size from 14 to 340 ώ were uniformly distributed in the liquid matrix of a 0.4 to 0.45 fraction solid slurry of the alloy. Initially, the non-wetted ceramic particles are mechanically entrapped, dispersed and prevented from settling, floating, or agglomerating by the fact that the alloy is already partially solid. With increasing mixing times, after addition, interaction between the ceramic particles and the liquid matrix promotes bonding. Efforts to mix the non-wetted particles into the liquid alloy above its liquidus temperature were unsuccessful. The composite can then be cast either when the metal alloy is partially solid or after reheating to above the liquidus temperature of the alloy. End-chilled plates and cylindrical slugs of the composites were sand cast from above the liquidus temperature of the alloy. The cylindrical slugs were again reheated and used as starting material for die casting. Some of the reheated composites possessed “thixotropy.” Distribution of the ceramic particles in the alloy matrix was uniform in all the castings except for some settling of the coarse, 340ώ in size, particles in the end-chilled cast plates.     

8A02铝合金带材生产工艺研究

介绍8A02铝合金带材的熔铸、轧制工艺的系统研究,对合金的再结晶温度、各温度退火力学性能和组织的变化也进行了分析,并确定关键工艺的生产技术要求及最佳成品退火温度。     

A method to study the history of a double oxide film defect in liquid aluminum alloys

Entrained double oxide films have been held responsible for reductions in mechanical properties in aluminum casting alloys. However, their behavior in the liquid metal, once formed, has not been studied directly. It has been proposed that the atmosphere entrapped in the double oxide film defect will continue to react with the liquid metal surrounding it, perhaps leading to its elimination as a significant defect. A silicon-nitride rod with a hole in one end was plunged into liquid aluminum to hold a known volume of air in contact with the liquid metal at a constant temperature. The change in the air volume with time was recorded by real-time X-ray radiography to determine the reaction rates of the trapped atmosphere with the liquid aluminum, creating a model for the behavior of an entrained double oxide film defect. The results from this experiment showed that first oxygen, and then nitrogen, was consumed by the aluminum alloy, to form aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, respectively. The effect of adding different elements to the liquid aluminum and the effect of different hydrogen contents were also studied. This article is based on a presentation made in the John Campbell Symposium on Shape Casting, held during the TMS Annual Meeting, February 13–17, 2005, in San Francisco, CA.     

合金钢连铸结晶器保护渣的基本功能

分析了合金钢连铸结晶器保护渣对钢水的保温和避免钢液氧化功能、吸收夹杂物的能力、以及润滑铸坯和控制传热的功能。改善保护渣的保温性能，有利于减轻振痕缺陷和铸坯皮下夹渣，提高保护渣吸收夹杂能力，防止高合金钢连铸时的漏钢和减少铸坯夹渣缺陷；而协调保护渣传热与润滑的功能对避免粘结漏钢和减少铸坯表面纵裂纹和微裂纹有着不可低估的作用。     

60Si2Mn连铸方坯的生产实践

石横特钢厂通过严格保证钢水质量，控制钢水及铸坯温度，拉坯速度和冷却强度，并采用浸入式水口保持浇注技术，在普通机上生产出合格的优质钢连铸坯，文章以６０Ｓｉ２Ｍｎ合金弹簧钢为重点，阐述了生产符合标准要求的优质钢连铸方坯的电炉冶金及Ｒ５．２５ｍ罗可普型小方坯铸机的生产工艺参数。