Effects of section thickness on the optimum properties OF Al-8%Si alloy squeeze cast components

This study was conducted to produce squeeze castings, determine the effects of section thickness on the optimum properties of squeeze cast products from Al-Si alloy. Squeeze castings with section thickness ranging from 8 to15mm and aspect ratio (height-to-section thickness ratio) not greater than 3.125:1 were made from Al-8%Si alloy using squeeze pressures of 125MPa with the alloy poured at 700°C into a squeeze die preheated to about 250°C. A lubricant made of 10% graphite in lubricating oil was used to ease ejection of squeeze castings from the die. Squeeze time was 30s. The study found that a small deviation of ±2.0mm from the nominal size of 10.0mm has no significant impact on the optimum mechanical properties of squeeze castings. However, a large deviation of +5.0mm from the nominal size significantly reduced the optimum mechanical properties of the squeeze castings. Keywords: squeeze casting, porosity, alloy, thicknessGlobal Journal of Engineering Research Vol.4 (1&2) 2005: 13-1