Optimization of Process Parameters to enhance the Hardness on Squeeze Cast Aluminium Alloy AA6061

摘要

The automotive and aerospace industries have been the main driving force behind the search of new production processes which are capable of producing components with high integrity. Squeeze casting is one such novel metal processing technique which combines the advantages of both casting and forging in one operation. Squeeze casting process is suited for all melting ranges of metals varying from lead to iron. But nowadays, light weight materials like aluminium and magnesium are mostly used in the industries. Aluminium alloy AA6061 is one such futuristic material that is widely used to produce automotive and aerospace components. Although the squeeze casting process has many obvious advantages in producing parts of light metals that can be utilized in structural applications, the full potential can only be realized after the process parameters have been optimized. In this attempt, cylindrical components of AA6061 were produced using squeeze casting process and their hardness values were found out. The optimal process parameter combination to obtain maximum hardness was calculated using Taguchi method and Genetic Algorithm approaches. It was observed that Genetic Algorithm yielded better solution when compared to the solution provided by Taguchi Method.