Development of a High Strength Cast Aluminium Alloy for Possible Automotive Applications

Abstract

Al-Si-Cu alloys of the 319 type are age hardenable alloys and offer a good combination of mechanical properties with excellent castability, corrosion resistance and low cost, making these alloys attractive for the automotive industry. The mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu alloys can be improved by minor alloying additions. The paper describes the attempts to develop a high strength cast aluminium alloy by the addition of Mg to 319 alloy for producing high integrity automobile components. The importance of optimizing the addition of Mg and optimization of the heat treatment parameters, especially the ageing temperature for achieving high strength, are explained. The increase in UTS is accompanied by a decrease in elongation. The elongation is proposed to be increased by the microstructural refinement that can be achieved by squeeze casting.