Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al Alloys by Semi-Solid Processing with LSPSF Technology
Rheoforming is becoming the choice of the casting industry which relies on the semi-solid slurry for high integrity structural parts. The potential of rheoforming with LSPSF (Low superheat pouring with a shear field) for aluminum alloys was investigated in the present work. High quality semi-solid slurries of a series of aluminum alloys were manufactured by LSPSF process, such as casting alloy A356, high strength alloy 201, secondary die casting alloy A380 and wrought alloy 2024, 6082 and 7075, in which the primary α-Al presented spherical, small and homogeneous distribution, especially with zero-entrapped liquid. Applications of LSPSF in high pressure die casting process and squeeze casting process were presented. Results showed that LSPSF rheoforming could improve microstructures and increase mechanical properties.