The Effect of Process Parameters on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Semisolid Cast Al6061

An examination of the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum 6061 alloy samples produced by a miniature cooling slope is presented. The effects of several process parameters including pouring rate, cooling slope angle, superheat and cooling slope length on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of the samples were investigated. An attempt was made to use the two-level factorial design method to determine the relationships between the process parameters and the properties of the semisolid aluminum 6061 alloy manufactured by the miniature cooling slope. Finally, an optimum processing region was identified. The interaction between the cooling slope length and the pouring rate (BC); the interaction among the superheat, the pouring rate, and the cooling slope length (ABC); and the cooling slope length (C), in the order mentioned, were identified as the most important effects. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2014