Investigation of the deformability of aluminium-copper casting alloys

The paper presents the results of a numerical analysis and experimental tests investigating the deformability of castings made of two aluminium alloys: EN AW-2017A and EN AW-2024. Test specimens were produced by two casting methods: sand casting and permanent mould casting. The castings were first subjected to homogenizing annealing; afterwards, they were shaped into cylindrical specimens for an upsetting test. This test was conducted on a hydraulic press in the temperature range of 420500˚C. Visual inspection of the specimens and examination of their microstructure were performed. Hardness of selected specimens was also measured. The study led to determination of the effect of the mould type on the deformability of the castings and the hardness of forgings obtained from these casting. Obtained results also became a basis for determining the forging temperature ranges for casting preforms made of the investigated aluminium alloys