Microstructure and properties of squeeze cast A356 alloy processed with a vibrating slope

Abstract The microstructures of A356 alloy parts contained near-round or rosette α-Al grains and eutectics at grain boundaries. Melt processing by vibrating slope could refine grain size and eliminate eutectic phase segregation as well as regional segregation which usually occurred in traditional squeeze casting. Average grain diameter of α-Al grain increased from 44 μm to 64 μm, and grain average roundness decreased firstly from 2.9 to 1.7 then increased to 3.3 with the increase of casting temperature. At casting temperature from 670 °C to 680 °C, crack and cooling shut usually occurred in the products due to poor flow ability of the alloy. When the casting temperature was 690 °C, the alloy had a good filling ability and smooth product with fine near-round or rosette α-Al grains and homogenous eutectics has been obtained. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of semisolid squeeze casting A356 alloy reached 232 MPa and 7%, which were improved by 12% and 21% respectively as comparing with that of traditional squeeze casting.