Effect of Slope Plate Variables and Reheating on the Semi-Solid Structure of Al Alloys

Abstract

Semi-solid forming (SSF) involves alloys with non-dendrite microstructure that contain spherical solid particles in the liquid matrix. This process is generally divided into three main steps: feedstock manufacturing, reheating and forming. Feedstock has the main effect on the cost and quality of product. Many researches have been carried out to reduce the cost of feedstock manufacturing. Slope plate is a simple semi-solid process that can reduce the cost of feedstock. In this study a Cu plate with water and without water circulation was used to investigate the effect of pouring temperature, cooling rate during casting and solidification in the mold on the microstructure. Cast ingots with optimized microstructure were reheated in various time and temperatures in semi-solid region to obtain kinetics of globularization and solid grain growth.

Semi-solid microstructure evolution during reheating of aluminum A356 alloy deformed severely by ECAP

“…Slope plate process is a newly developed process which shows many advantages in comparison with the others [22]. A comparison between microstructure of ECAPed sample and sample produced by slope plate [4] shows that ECAP process provides a finer structure without entrapped liquid.…”

“…Feedstock has the main effect on the cost and quality of product [4]. Feedstock can be produced by either solid or liquid state routes.…”

Defect control and mechanical properties of thixoformed Al–Si alloy

“…Inclined Cooling Plate (ICP) and Thermo Mechanical Treatment (TMT), were used. Inclined Cooling Plate with optimized parameters was used to cast feed-stock with non-dendritic microstructure (pouring temperature = 650 • C, cooling plate temperature = 120 • C, casting length = 40 cm, angle = 45 • and pouring into a metallic mould) [16]. In feed-stock preparation using TMT method, ECAP (Equal Channel Angular Pressing) die with two equal cross-section channels (30 mm in diameter) was used to induce strain in which the angle between two inner channels was 90 • and outer corner, was 20 • .…”

Microstructure evolution of AM60 magnesium alloy semisolid slurry prepared by new SIMA

“…[3,4]. This process is generally divided into three main steps: semisolid slurry manufacturing, reheating and forming [5].…”