Vertical Indirect Squeeze Casting Process of an Al-Cu-Mn Alloy Frame Part

To decrease weight and increase fuel efficiency, an Al-Cu-Mn alloy frame part with vertical indirect squeeze casting process was fabricated to replace original parts with spheroidal graphite iron, which is used in a special vehicle. Mold filling of the frame with pouring temperature of 700 degrees C and injection velocity of 0.03m/s was simulated. According to the results vents and overflows were designed and the dies were produced with HI3 steel. Furthermore, the casting trial producing was conducted. Cross sections of the castings were checked. A number of specimens were obtained from different parts of the castings to evaluate microstructure, and both high dense and fine grain microstructures were found in the specimens. Mechanical properties of the tensile samples with T5 heat treatment were measured, and the average tensile strength and elongation were 387 MPa and 8.8%, respectively.