Effect of pouring temperature on the properties of Al-8%Si alloy sand cast components

Abstract

This study was conducted to produce sand castings and determine the effect of pouring temperature on the properties of sand cast products from Al-8%Si alloy. Molten alloy was poured into prepared sand moulds at pouring temperatures of 650, 700, 750, 800 and 850°C. The density of each casting was determined based on their mass and displaced volume of water. Test samples were cut from the castings for metallographic, tensile and hardness tests. It was found that the density and mechanical properties of the sand castings decrease with increase in pouring temperature, particularly at 800-850°C, although the fluidity of the molten alloy increases with increase with temperature. The study, therefore, recommended pouring temperatures of 650-700°C in order to obtain sound Al-8%Si alloy sand castings.

Keywords: sand casting, pouring temperature, alloy

Global Journal of Engineering Research Vol.4 (1&2) 2005: 1-4