Influence of Indirect Squeeze Cast Process Parameters on Properties of 6061 Wrought Aluminum Alloy in T6 Heat Treat Condition

摘要

Indirect squeeze casting finds a wider application in the manufacture of near net shape premium quality components using cast and wrought aluminum alloys. Even though a limited number of publications are available on the influence of direct squeeze cast process parameters on the mechanical properties of cast alloys, no published details are available on the topic for wrought 6061 aluminum alloy by the indirect squeeze cast process. In the present study, the solidification characteristics of 6061 aluminum alloy by atmospheric cooling, the % contraction allowance with increase in squeeze pressure, and the investigation on indirect squeeze cast process parameters on 6061 wrought aluminum alloy properties in T6 heat treat condition have been analyzed with a comprehensive quality parameter.The published T6 mechanical properties of 6061 alloy by different forming methods also have been summarized for the comparison. The study reveals that the quality decreases with increasing section thickness of 6061 aluminum alloy in the indirect squeeze casting process. With suitable selection of indirect squeeze casting process parameters, the variation in quality of 6061 alloy could be reduced with an increase in section thickness. The alloy's castability (solidification range, shape of solidification curve, segregation index, hot cracking susceptibility, % contraction etc) have been quantified for the use while designing a casting, die design and optimization of casting process parameters. The published T6 mechanical properties of 6061 alloy by different forming methods confirm that the properties realized by the indirect squeeze cast process are comparable to forging.