Study of Natural and Artificial Aging on AlSi9Cu3 Alloy at Different Ratios of Returnable Material in the Batch

Abstract

Aluminum alloys currently play an important role in the production of castings in various industries, where important requirements include low component weight, reduction of the environmental impact and, above all, reduction of production costs of castings. One way to achieve these goals is to use recycled aluminum alloys. The effect of natural and artificial aging of AlSi9Cu3 alloy with different ratios of returnable material in the batch was evaluated by a combination of optical, scanning, transmission microscope and mechanical tests. An increase in the returnable material in the batch above 70% resulted in failure to achieve the minimum value required by the standard for tensile strength and ductility. The application of artificial aging had a positive effect on the microstructure and thus on the mechanical properties of experimental alloys. By analyzing the results from TEM, it can be stated that in the given cases there is a reduced efficiency of θ’-Al2Cu precipitate formation with an increase of the returnable material in the batch and in comparison with artificial aging, which is manifested by low mechanical properties.

The Influence of Returnable Material on Internal Homogeneity of the High-Pressure Die-Cast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) Alloy

“…The development of automobile production has caused a large increase in the need for castings from non-ferrous metals produced by high-pressure die casting technology. The use of high-pressure castings as components in automobiles leads to a reduction in their total weight and the associated decrease in fuel consumption, which has a significant positive impact on the environment [1,2].…”

Effect of Returnable Material in Batch on Hot Tearing Tendency of AlSi9Cu3 Alloy

“…However, the overall requirements for melt quality vary and are related to the shape complexity and purpose of the casting. For highly stressed or castings with complex geometry, it is necessary to find the ideal ratio of primary alloy and remelted returnable material in the batch, and to determine the right compromise between the quality and price of the casting [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”