The effect of die geometry on the microstructure of indirect squeeze cast and gravity die cast 7050 (Al-6.2Zn-2.3Cu-2.3Mg) wrought Al alloy

The indirect squeeze casting process has been used to cast a 7050 (Al-6.2Zn-2.3Cu-2.3Mg) wrought Al alloy to near-net shape with excellent die replication. Defects which occur with gravity casting, in particular (1) shrinkage pipe, (2) macro-porosity and (3) hot-tearing, are largely removed by squeeze casting, although regions of macro-porosity can re-appear when thick sections are fed through substantially thinner sections. Squeeze casting results in a considerable refinement of microstructure compared to gravity casting due to a marked decrease in solidification time. The decrease in solidification time is caused by intimate contact between the pressurised melt and the die, which leads to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient. Decreasing the section thickness also results in a refinement of the microstructure due to a reduction in solidification time. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.