This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Influence of Aluminum Casting Alloy Metallurgical Factors on Machinability
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Machinability of popular automotive casting alloys is determined by (1) alloy chemistry, microstructure and properties, (2) the casting method employed, (3) various treatments that alter the microstructure, cleanliness or strength of the alloy, and (4) metallic and non-metallic impurities. Silicon and other hard phases act as abrasives in a relatively soft alloy matrix and tend to reduce cutting tool life. Copper and magnesium increase alloy hardness, improve machined surface finish and decrease the tendency of an alloy to build up on a cutting tool edge. Sand castings require more machining stock and have a coarser microstructure than either permanent mold castings or die castings and therefore are more costly to machine. Die castings are the least costly to machine. Treatments to refine primary silicon or modify the eutectic silicon morphology substantially improve tool life. Heat treatment, to increase hardness, reduces built-up-edge on the cutting tool and improves the surface finish of the machined part.
Recommended Content
| Aerospace Material Specification | Magnesium Alloy, Investment Castings 9.0Al - 2.0Zn (AZ92A-T6) Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated |
| Aerospace Standard | Aluminum Alloy Tempers |
Authors
Topic
Citation
Jorstad, J., "Influence of Aluminum Casting Alloy Metallurgical Factors on Machinability," SAE Technical Paper 800486, 1980, https://doi.org/10.4271/800486.Also In
References
- Jorstad John L. “Machinability of 380 Alloy: Effect of Minor Elements and Impurities” Paper #G-T79-072, Transactions of the Society of Die Casting Engineers March 1979
- Lemon Robert C. “Metallurgical Factors Related to Machining Aluminum castings” Paper #607465 presented at SAE Congress and Exposition January 1967
- Holtz, E. K. “Comparative Properties and Microstructures as Related to the Composition of Aluminum Die Casting Alloys” Paper #112, Transactions of the Society of Die Casting Engineers November 1968
- Colwell Donald L. Tichy Oldrich “Machinability of Aluminum Die Castings” Transactions of the American Foundrymen’s Society 64 p. 236 1956
- Colwell Donald L. “Zinc in Aluminum Casting Alloys” Transactions of the American Foundrymen’s Society 60 p. 517 1952
- Lemon, R. C. “Free Machining Aluminum Casting Alloys X310 and X335” Transactions of the American Foundrymen’s Society 71 p. 315 1963
- Queener C. A. Mitchell, W. L. “Effect of Iron Content and Sodium Modification on the Machinability of Aluminum Alloy Die Castings” Modern Casting February 1965
- Fox, J. M. “Aluminum Alloy Castings Inclusions” Transactions of the American Foundrymen’s Society 69 p.315 1961
- Armstrong G. Leslie “Metallurgical Defects Encountered in Machining Aluminum Die Castings” Paper G-T75-011, Transactions of the Society of Die Casting Engineers March 1975