Investigating cooling curve profile and microstructure of a squeeze cast Al-4%Cu alloy

► Cooling rates can vary considerably in squeeze casting process. ► Cooling rate improves as the pressure is applied on melt with high superheat. ► Thermal arrest at the start of solidification results in cooling rate decrease. ► Dendritic growth improves with higher cooling rates in squeeze casting. ► Equiaxed structure prevails at lower cooling rates in squeeze casting.