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The use of aluminum castings in the automotive industry has increased dramatically over the past two decades. The Al-Si system forms the basis of many important casting alloys, LM 0, LM 2, LM 4, LM 5, LM 6, LM 12, LM 13, LM 24 and LM 26 are the major cast alloys used in aerospace casting (e.g., fuel pump connectors) and premium automotive castings (e.g., suspension arms). The driving force for this increased use is vehicle weight reduction for improved performance, particularly fuel efficiency. In many cases the mechanical properties of the cast aluminum parts are superior to those of the cast iron or wrought steel parts being replaced; however, in some applications, defects in the cast microstructure undermine performance characteristics.