The effect of solidification time in squeeze casting of aluminium and zinc alloys

Both gravity casting and squeeze casting were carried out previously on an aluminium alloy (LM6) and a zinc alloy (ZA3) with different casting temperatures. Tensile, impact and density measurement were conducted. It was found that generally, samples taken from the bottom of the squeeze casting mould gave higher tensile strength, higher impact strength and higher density values. This study was carried out to determine the effect of solidification time on the mechanical properties of the castings. Two analytical methods were used: a steady-state heat flow model and Garcia's virtual model. It was found that similar results were obtained with both analytical methods. Casting samples taken from the lower part of the squeeze casting mould were found to have a significantly shorter solidification time. For both types of alloys, it was found that generally the shorter the solidification time of the casting, the higher is its density, impact energy, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). This study had therefore contributed to a better understanding of the mechanical properties obtained previously from different casting processes.