Effects of Grain Refinement, Eutectic Modification and Pouring Temperature on Soundness of A356 Aluminum F. Kasumzade Progress Aluminum Castings, USA S. Ivan, J. Griffin, R. Griffin, C. Bates University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA The effects of eutectic modifier, grain refiner, pouring temperature and casting thickness on the soundness and tensile properties of A356-T6 aluminum were determined based on a full factorial designed experiment conducted in a production foundry. Cooling curves were recorded using a digital data acquisition system and a commercial Alu-Delta unit. The effects of grain refining and eutectic modification were clearly visible in the cooling curves, and the effects were confirmed by metallographic examination. All castings were x-rayed and rated according to ASTM E155. Tensile properties were measured and correlated with soundness as determined using bulk density, and x-ray and ultrasonic measurements. Pouring temperature, casting thickness and the grain refiner additions had statistically significant effects at a very high confidence level. Better x-ray ratings were obtained with thinner castings, and the addition of grain refiners. This paper describes the effects of these processing variables on soundness and tensile properties measured on specimens cut from the experimental castings. |