Investigating cooling curve profile and microstructure of a squeeze cast Al–4%Cu alloy

Cooling curves were obtained to estimate solidification parameters of a squeeze cast Al–4%Cu alloy under different processing conditions, while microstructural analysis was carried out to investigate grain morphology obtained for the different test runs. The results indicated not only an increase in cooling curve gradient with increase in pressure, but also a change in cooling curve profile with changes in superheat and die temperature. Solidification range was also affected with an increase in liquidus when superheat was high while solidification rate was decreased when superheat was low and die temperature was increased. Microstructure showed refinement, dendritic growth formation and a suppression of both precipitated phase as well as micro-segregation with an increase in cooling rate due to application of pressure. The investigation is expected to provide important insight into the solidification behavior under pressure of an Al–4%Cu alloy that can be used to evaluate its casting feasibility as well as give basic input information for simulation purposes.     

AZ80镁合金挤压铸造工艺参数的形态学矩阵优化(英文)

运用形态学矩阵对AZ80镁合金挤压铸造工艺参数进行优化。采用 L9(33)田口方法中的正交列对不同挤压压力、模具预热温度和压力持续时间进行组合。采用一个3水平正交阵列确定信噪比,通过方差分析确定影响力学性能最重要的工艺参数,并利用多变量线性回归分析确定拉伸强度、伸长率和硬度,获得了最佳的挤压铸造工艺参数。     

Microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast magnesium alloy AM50

High-pressure die cast magnesium alloy AM50 is currently used extensively in large and complex shaped thin-wall automotive components. For further expansion of the alloy usage in automobiles, novelmanufacturing processes need to be developed. In this study, squeeze casting of AM50 alloy with a relatively thick cross section was carried out using a hydraulic press with an applied pressure of 70 MPa. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the squeeze cast AM50 with a cross-section thickness of 10 mm were characterized in comparison with the die cast counterpart. The squeeze cast AM50 alloy exhibits virtually no porosity in the microstructure as evaluated by both optical microscopy and the density measurement technique. The results of tensile testing indicate the improved tensile properties, specifically ultimate tensile strength and elongation, for the squeeze cast samples over the conventional high-pressure die cast parts. The analysis of tensile behavior show that the strain-hardening rate during the plastic deformation of the squeeze cast specimens is constantly higher than that of the die cast specimens. The scanning electron microscopy fractography evidently reveals the ductile fracture features of the squeeze cast alloy AM50.     

不同压力对挤压铸造Al-Cu-Mg合金性能的影响

使用挤压铸造工艺制备了高强、高韧Al-4.5Cu-1Mg合金。在挤压力为70MPa下成型后,合金的最大抗拉强度达到288.8MPa、伸长率达到12.8%、HRB硬度达到48.3。通过对该合金力学性能及其显微组织的研究表明,合金的抗拉强度、伸长率以及硬度随着压力的增加而增大,并且在70MPa时达到最大值,70MPa之后继续增加压力,对材料性能影响不大。研究了挤压力对合金的密度和导电性的影响。试验结果表明,合金的密度随着压力的增加而快速增大,在挤压压力为70MPa时达到最大值,然后变化不大。     

Effect of iron and combined iron and beryllium additions on the fracture toughness and microstructures of squeeze-cast Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy

Squeeze casting is a near-net-shape process of casting under pressure that yields a fine-grain structure with higher density and mechanical properties compared to conventional casting processes. Iron is the most commonly present impurity element in Al-7Si-0.3Mg, the alloy investigated. An increase in iron content significantly decreases fracture toughness. However, trace additions of beryllium completely neutralize the detrimental effect of iron. The variables of the squeeze casting process greatly govern the microstructures and macrostructures and thus the defects in the casting. This case study deals with Al7Si-0.3Mg squeeze-cast cranks with four major defects—blistering, debonding, porosity, and patches of silicon segregation on the casting surface—and the appropriate remedial measures to eliminate these defects.     

添加Nb对Ti-48Al-0.7B合金组织和力学性能的影响

研究了离心铸造汽车排气阀用Ti-48Al-0.7B-xNb(x=0,3,5,8;原子分数, %)合金的组织和力学性能.结果表明,不同Nb含量合金均由α2 γ两相组成,不存在β相.添加Nb后,合金的晶粒尺寸受凝固前沿B产生附加的成分过冷和硼化物钉扎晶界两方面的作用.合金的片层间距λ与晶粒尺寸d-1/2符合线性关系. O含量和Nb含量影响合金的断裂强度,晶粒尺寸是影响合金塑性的主要因素.Ti-48Al-0.7B-5Nb合金的晶粒尺寸最小,综合性能最佳(σb=399.6 MPa,δ=0.26%).     

Developing high performance squeeze cast Al-Cu alloys with high Fe and Cu contents

In this paper, the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of squeeze cast Al-Cu alloys with different amounts of Cu and Fe after T7 heat treatment were investigated using various methods, including optical microstructure (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and tensile testing. Results show that better comprehensive mechanical properties of squeeze cast Al-Cu alloys can be achieved by designing the Fe and Cu contents. These results can be attibuted to an increase in precipitate particles in the α(Al) matrix and the formation of nano-sized iron-rich intermetallics (IRIs). Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation (EL) of the Al-6.5Cu-0.6Mn-1.0Fe alloy were as high as 314 MPa, 293 MPa, and 6 %, respectively. These values were close to those of Al-Si alloys with high Fe content (1.0 %) under applied pressure, and this indicates the high potential for developing recycled squeeze cast Al-Cu cast alloys.     

挤压铸造模温及压力对2024铝合金组织性能的影响

研究了压制压力和模具温度对挤压铸造2024铝合金组织和性能的影响.结果表明:随着压力的增加,合金的铸造缺陷减少,晶粒尺寸变小,超过120MPa时,变化不大;模具温度在200℃时,组织不均匀,存在显微疏松等缺陷,模具温度在300℃时组织粗大;在模具温度250℃、压力120MPa的工艺参数下得到的铸件,缺陷较少,组织均匀,强度高.经过T6工艺热处理后,抗拉强度达到425MPa,伸长率6.9%.     

Grain size refinement through gas bubble stirring in AC4CH cast aluminium alloy

A comparison has been made of the mechanical properties of gravity and squeeze cast aluminium alloys that have been grain refined using gas bubbling and those that have not. To find the optimum gas bubbling conditions, the alloy melt temperature, the gas flow rate and the gas bubbling times were varied over wide ranges. The microstructure of the gas bubbled gravity and squeeze cast materials is fine, equiaxed and non-dendritic with an average primary α size of 52 μm and 163 μm respectively. However, gas bubbling has no effect on the morphology of the eutectic Si. There seems to be no noticeable difference between the measured mechanical properties of the gravity and squeeze cast materials with or without the gas bubbling. The lack of improvement in the mechanical properties of the gravity cast alloy is due to casting defects and porosity, which offset the effects of the grain refinement. The crystal separation and showering mechanisms are operative for the formation of equiaxed grains.     

挤压铸造对Al-Cu合金显微组织及溶质分布的影响

研究了挤压铸造工艺条件下,工艺参数对Al-5Cu-0.4Mn合金显微组织及Cu元素分布的影响。结果表明,合金在25MPa压力下成形时,初生α-Al晶粒尺寸得到明显细化;浇注温度越高组织变得越粗大;升高模具预热温度,晶粒尺寸增大且分布不均匀。挤压铸造改变重力铸造条件下Cu的逆偏析现象,从铸件边缘往心部的Cu含量呈现增加的趋势,主要原因为晶间富铜液相在压力的强制补缩下,通过枝晶骨架通道被挤向铸件内侧。Cu在α-Al基体中的固溶度随着压力的增大而增加;沿径向远离铸件心部,α-Al晶内Cu含量逐渐增加。在挤压力为100MPa、浇注温度为680～730℃、模具温度为200℃的工艺条件下,可获得晶粒细小、组织致密、宏观偏析少的Al-5Cu-0.4Mn合金挤压铸件。     

Effects of pressure,die, and stress-relief temperatures on the residual stresses and mechanical properties of squeeze-cast aluminum rods

The effects of die heating and stress-relief temperatures in reducing residual stresses of squeeze-cast aluminum alloy rods are experimentally determined by the longitudinal slitting method, and their reduction effects on the mechanical properties of the squeeze-cast alloy rods are investigated. Stress relief is much more effective than die heating in reducing residual stresses of the squeeze-cast alloy. Stress relief is substantially completed at 350 ° in 1 h, but at the expense of reduction in strength and hardness. Appreciable reduction in strength and hardness is avoided by using a stress-relief temperature of 250 ° for residual stress reduction of squeeze-cast aluminum alloy. Die heating to a maximum of 200 ° is considered adequate to substantially reduce the chilling effect of the metal mold on the solidifying molten metal and to avoid appreciable reduction of strength and hardness resulting from die heating effects.     

等通道转角挤压Al-Cu合金的冲击性能

对铸态Al-0.63%Cu和Al-3.9%Cu(质量分数)合金进行等通道转角挤压处理,研究了Al-Cu合金冲击性能的变化.结果表明,等通道转角挤压增强了Al-0.63%Cu合金的冲击性能;而对于Al-3.9%Cu合金,虽然晶粒细化和第二相的弥散分布使其强度增加,但较多的第二相θ(Al2Cu)未提高其冲击性能.该合金的冲击吸收功与其静力韧度有关.     

Mn含量对挤压铸造Al-5.0Cu-0.5Fe合金显微组织和力学性能的影响(英文)

采用拉伸性能测试、光学显微镜、扫描电镜和定量金相测试手段研究Mn含量对不同压力下挤压铸造Al-5.0Cu-0.5Fe合金显微组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明:当挤压压力为0MPa,Mn/Fe质量比达到1.6时才能将针状β-Fe相(Al7Cu2Fe)完全转变成汉字状α-Fe相(Al15(FeMn)3(CuSi)2)。而对于挤压铸造,当挤压压力为75MPa时,在Mn/Fe质量比为0.8时就可以将β-Fe相完全转变成α-Fe相。挤压铸造合金中需要的Mn含量较低,即Mn/Fe质量比较小,这主要是由于在挤压压力下富Fe相的细化以及相比例的减少。然而,加入过量的Mn将导致合金力学性能的下降,这是因为过量的Mn将导致α-Fe相的增多及这些多余的硬脆相导致的孔洞增多。     

The effect of casting temperature on the properties of squeeze cast aluminium and zinc alloys

Gravity casting and squeeze casting were carried out on an aluminium alloy with 13.5% silicon and a zinc alloy with 4.6% aluminium with different temperatures, 660, 690 and 720 °C for the former and 440, 460 and 480 °C for the latter. A top-loading crucible furnace was used to melt the alloys. The die-preheat temperatures used were 200–220 °C for the aluminium alloy and 150–165 °C for the zinc alloy. A K-type thermocouples with digital indicator were used to measure the die surface temperature and the molten metal temperature; while a 25 t hydraulic press with a die-set containing a steel mould was used to perform the squeeze casting with a pressure of 62 MPa. Tensile, impact and density tests were carried out on the specimens. It was found that casting temperature had an effect on the mechanical properties of both gravity cast and squeeze cast aluminium and zinc alloys. The best temperatures to gravity cast the aluminium alloy and the zinc alloy were 720 and 460 °C, respectively. For the squeeze casting of the aluminium alloy, the best temperature to use was either 690 or 660 °C; the former would give a better property at the top of the casting while the latter, at the bottom of the casting. However, for the squeeze casting of the zinc alloy, the best temperature was again 460 °C.     

Section thickness-dependent tensile properties of squeeze cast magnesium alloy AM60

The development of alternative casting processes is essential for the high demand of light weight magnesium components to be used in the automotive industry,which often contain different section thickn...     

Improvement of microstructure,mechanical properties,and corrosion resistance of WE43 alloy by squeeze casting

The WE43 magnesium alloy was prepared by squeeze casting, and the influence of squeeze casting parameters on mechanical properties and corrosion resistance was studied and compared with gravity casting. The gravity cast WE43 alloy shows uneven grain size distribution, and some grains even greater than 90 µm. While, the grain size of the squeeze cast WE43 alloy is mainly distributed in 20–50 µm. The Mg₁₂Nd₂Y phase morphology changes from large lamellar to strips after squeeze casting, whereas Mg₂₄Y₅ phase exhibits no obvious change. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the gravity cast WE43 alloy are 127 MPa, 157 MPa, and 6%, respectively, and 145 MPa, 193 MPa, and 9.1% for squeeze cast alloy. For the squeeze cast WE43 alloy, the average corrosion rate is 0.6056 mm·year⁻¹ according to immersion test results, and according to electrochemical measurements, the corrosion current density is 78.13 µA·cm⁻², which is better than that of the gravity cast WE43 alloy. Compared with gravity casting, the grains and second phase of the WE43 alloy by squeeze casting are refined, and the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are improved. This may expand the applications of the WE43 alloy.

     

Effect of Silicon on the casting properties of Al-5.0%Cu alloy

Poor casting properties restrict the application of high strength casting Al-5.0%Cu alloy.The addition of element can improve the casting properties of this alloy.Effect of Si on the casting properties of Al-5.0%Cu alloy was studied.It has been found that the addition of Si can improve the casting properties of Al-5.0%Cu alloy obviously.With the increase of Si content, the hot cracking tendency of the alloy decreases significantly, and the fluidity of the alloy increases firstly and then decreases slowly.When the content of Si element is higher than 2wt.%, the fluidity of the alloy increases greatly with the increasing of Si content.     

热处理对粉末冶金铝铜合金组织性能的影响

以纯铝和氧化铜粉末为原料,运用热等静压原位合成技术,制备了粉末冶金铝铜合金(Al-4.5%Cu)。研究了固溶和时效工艺对其组织和性能的影响,并分析讨论其作用机理。结果表明,粉末冶金法制备的铝铜合金组织均匀、致密,固溶+时效处理使合金硬度、强度明显提高,塑性和韧性略有下降。经过550℃×11 h固溶+150℃×46 h时效处理,合金的维氏硬度HV为1300 MPa,抗拉强度σb为328 MPa,冲击韧性αk为72.85 kJ.m-2,伸长率δ为6.63%。     

压力对ADC12铝合金超低速压铸件组织及力学性能的影响

采用光学显微镜、扫描电镜、X射线衍射和能谱等显微分析技术,结合力学性能检测,研究超低速压铸条件下压力对ADC12铝合金铸件组织及力学性能的影响。试验结果表明,在超低速试验条件下,持压时间越长、增压延时时间越短,铸件性能越好;铸造压力导致初生α-相形态发生变化,但铸造压力有最佳值,压力较小时,增大铸造压力可使α-相细化,铸件性能升高,过大的铸造压力将导致α-相粗大,使铸件性能下降;在无增压条件下,仅采用较大的压射压力也可使α-相组织细小,获得较好的力学性能。     

细化变质处理对铸造Al-7.5Si-4Cu合金力学性能和组织的影响(英文)

研究了单一和复合Al-5Ti-B、RE和Al-10Sr细化变质剂对砂型铸造Al-7.5Si-4Cu合金力学性能、显微组织、细化变质效果及其金属间化合物变化的影响。结果表明:与单一细化变质处理以及铸态相比,经过添加质量分数为0.8%的Al-5Ti-B、0.1%的RE和0.1%的Al-10Sr细化变质剂复合细化变质处理后铸造Al-7.5Si-4Cu合金的力学性能和显微组织都得到了显著改善。对于单一细化变质处理,加入0.8%的Al-5Ti-B中间合金后,合金的抗拉强度和布氏硬度得到大幅度提高,并且细化了α(Al)相。加入0.1%的RE中间合金后,合金的伸长率得到了最大程度的提高。这是因为RE的加入使铝合金熔液而得到净化,同时改变了金属间化合物的形状。而加入0.1%的Al-10Sr变质剂后,合金的屈服强度得到改善,但其他性能的改善有限。Al-10Sr变质剂对共晶硅具有较强的变质作用,但使得铝合金熔体含气量增加并形成严重的柱状晶组织。利用硅相的平均面积和长宽比描述细化变质效果得到的结论与力学性能和组织分析的结果相同。