Fluidity of Aluminium Foundry Alloys: Development of a Testing Procedure

Authors

  • D. Caliari
  • G. Timelli
  • F. Bonollo
  • P. Amalberto
  • P. Giordano

Abstract

The aim of this work is the study and the development of a specifi c testing methodology for evaluating the
fl uidity of aluminium foundry alloys. This method, based on the Archimedean spiral, is intended to be easily and
practically used in foundry. The necessary device to perform the tests is made by sand moulds and it reproduces
the Archimedean spiral cavity where the molten alloy is poured. An A356 alloy has been used and a series of tests
has been carried out with the purpose to make the methodology operative according to a standardized operating
sequence. The focus has been the maximum repeatability of the results. Fluidity tests, carried out at different
molten metal temperature, have been performed both on the laboratory scale and within a foundry plant, and
they have concerned either the EN standard alloy and the grain refi ned and Sr-modifi ed one. Finally, a specifi c
experimental test has been numerically studied by means of a commercial process simulation software. The
obtained results suggest to increase appropriately the initial temperature of the bath to improve the repeatability
of the experiments. Furthermore, thin section of the spiral cavity induces high cooling rates able to prevail over the
effects of preliminary treatments of the molten bath.

Downloads

Published

2015-07-13

Issue

Section

Memorie