Microstructural Characteristics of Die Cast AZ91D and AM60 Magnesium Alloys

Die cast AZ91D and AM60 magnesium alloy components are finding increasing usage in automotive applications. Both hot and cold chamber die cast components of these alloys generally exhibit several common microstructural features, including “skin”, porosity banding, and porosity distributed about the component centerline. Methods for quantitatively characterizing these microstructural features are described and representative values for skin thicknesses, porosity band dimensions and porosity band locations from selected die castings will be presented. The expected influence of these common microstrucutral features on mechanical properties and acceptability of die cast magnesium components for given applications are discussed.