Effect of Squeeze Casting Parameters on Mechanical Properties ‎and Wear Behavior of A356 Aluminium Alloy

In this study, effects of main squeeze casting parameters, including squeezing pressure, super-heat ‎and the duration of pressure on the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behavior of A356 aluminum alloy ‎were investigated. For this purpose, the parameters were evaluated in three levels on the hardness, yield strength, ‎ultimate tensile strength, elongation and weight loss were examined. Squeeze casting process was performed using 20 ‎Ton hydraulic press equipped with a tool steel die having cylindrical cavity. Microstructural studies were evaluated by ‎optical and electron microscopy.  The wear test was performed by a pin on disk unit to 2000m wear distance at constant ‎condition. The results showed that the squeezing pressure causes the alpha-aluminum dendrites and eutectic cells to be ‎finer in the microstructure and reduce the casting defects. Also, the squeezing pressure, the duration of pressure and the ‎super heat, have the most influence on the mechanical properties and wear resistant, respectively. By increasing the pressure ‎from 60 to 90 MPa and above, the adhesive wear- mechanism is weaker compared to the abrasive and the wear type is ‎found to convert the low stress wear from high stress state, which improves the wear resistance. At least 90 MPa ‎squeezing pressure, at least 30 seconds duration for applying the pressure and a super-heat of 50 to 100 °C are the ‎recommended ranges for achieving the best wear resistance and mechanical properties.‎