Grain Refiner Effect on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the A356 Automotive Wheels

摘要

A356 aluminum alloy automotive wheels, 17 inch in diameter, were produced by low-pressure die casting. Contents of Al-5Ti-B (ATB) master alloy were added from 0 to 0.79 wt.%. Microstructural and mechanical properties were evaluated under industrial casting process conditions. The obtained results from mechanical testing provide evidence that additions of 0.13 and 0.27 wt.% of ATB have an improvement on the mechanical performance of the automotive wheels. This can be compared with the use of a grain refiner's higher concentrations, leading to a significant reduction in the cost-benefit ratio for the manufacturing of A356 automotive wheels.