TESTING 1-2-3
Examining Wrought Alloys
The results of a recent experiment examining the casting of wrought specifications paint an optimistic picture. A MODERN CASTING STAFF REPORT
Editor’s Note: Testing 1-2-3 will be a semi-monthly feature in MODERN CASTING summarizing experiments from the field of casting research.
P
ersonnel from Rio Tinto Alcan’s Arvida Research and Develop- ment Centre, Jonquiere,
Quebec, Canada, recently conducted an experiment to test the mechanical properties and phase transformation of two wrought alloy families cast to near-net-shape. Te goal when casting wrought
alloys (in this case 6061 and 6082) is to use heat treatment to achieve the mechanical properties achieved through the mechanical working of wrought products.
In a paper detailing their work, Bruno Bourassa, Danny Jean, Alain
Lemieux , Joseph Langlais and Fred- rick Major summarized the results of the experiment, focusing on heat treatment, iron level and solidifica- tion rate. Tey also discussed work intended to improve the castability of 6061 via casting process optimi- zation. Following is an overview of their study “Solidification and Heat Treatment of 6061 and 6082 Alloys for Use in Shape Casting.”
Question Can wrought alloys 6061 and
6082 be cast with mechanical properties comparable to their wrought equivalents?
1
Background Casting wrought alloys
long has been a goal of the metalcasting industry. How- ever, most wrought alloys
have a low eutectic point and do not withstand stresses that build up in the mold cavity during solidification. Tis leads to defective castings. A review of previously published
articles indicated the problem can be overcome through process and alloy manipulation. However, a generally acceptable solution has not been found for typical metalcasting facilities looking to fill a customer’s wrought iron requirements.
February 2012 MODERN CASTING | 45
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