Microstructures and mechanical properties of semi-solid squeeze casting ZL104 connecting rod

Semi-solid squeeze casting (SSSC) and liquid squeeze casting (LSC) processes were used to fabricate a ZL104 connecting rod, and the influences of the process parameters on the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. Results showed that the tensile strength and elongation of the SSSC-fabricated rod were improved by 22% and 17%, respectively, compared with those of the LSC-fabricated rod. For SSSC, the average particle size (APS) and the shape factor (SF) increased with the increase of re-melting temperature (Tr), whereas the tensile strength and elongation increased first and then decreased. The APS increased with increasing the mold temperature (Tm), whereas the SF increased initially and then decreased, which caused the tensile strength and elongation to increase initially and then decrease. The APS decreased and the SF increased as squeezing pressure (ps) increased, and the mechanical properties were enhanced. Moreover, the optimal Tr, ps and Tm are 848 K, 100 MPa and 523 K, respectively.