Optimization of Selected Squeeze Casting Parameters on the Mechanical Behaviour of Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

Aluminum alloy have versatile applications and can be produced via a cost-effective squeeze casting technique. Existing literature has revealed that squeeze casting enhances the mechanical properties of cast products and has the advantage of producing products almost without porosity.  However, squeeze casting is faced with some challenges including extrusion segregations, centerline segregation, and oxide inclusion, porosity, blistering, under fill, sticking, hot tearing, case debonding, and shrinkages. In view of minimizing these defects, casting should be done applying optimal parameters that will yield the desired result. The present study focused on the optimization of squeeze parameters of squeeze pressure, pressure duration, pouring temperature, initial die temperature in the production of the aluminium alloy (Al-12%Si). Evaluated responses are yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. The results showed that the process parameters had statistical significance on all properties at 95 % confidence level. Combined interactions of these parameters also presented significant effects on the property responses. Optimum setting for process factors as regards yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were evaluated 150MPa, 15seconds, 700oC and150oC for squeeze pressure, pressure duration, pouring temperature and initial die temperature respectively. The results obtained for the three responses which are yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, were 302.86MPa and 347.72MPa respectively.