Preparation of semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry with big capability

Semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry was prepared by low superheat pouring and weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.The effects of pouring temperature and stirring power on the microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry were studied.The results show that the semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry of 5 kg can be prepared.This new technology can save energy and make the pouring process convenient.When the pouring temperature is decreased at a stirring power of 0.41 kW,the shape of primary α-Al grains gradually changes from dendritic-like to spherical.When the alloy melt is poured at the temperature(630°C) with a certain superheat,the pouring process becomes easier,and the spherical microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry can be prepared by the weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.When the pouring temperature is 630°C,increasing the stirring power appropriately can result in better spherical primary α-Al grains,but if the stirring power is increased to a certain value(1.72 kW),the shape of primary α-Al grains does not obviously improve when the stirring power is continually increased.     

6061铝合金半固态浆料的行波电磁搅拌制备工艺

采用低过热度浇注和弱行波电磁搅拌工艺,成功制备出6061铝合金半固态浆料。研究了浇注温度、搅拌功率和搅拌时间对6061铝合金半固态浆料的影响。结果表明:低过热度浇注和弱行波电磁搅拌技术可获得具有良好球状初生α-Al的6061合金半固态组织。浇注温度接近液相线温度,搅拌功率大于2.5kW,搅拌时间大于10s时,6061铝合金半固态浆料中的初生α-Al细小圆整,尺寸均匀。但是当浇注温度降至液相线温度时,组织中出现少量树枝晶。最佳工艺参数:浇注温度667℃、搅拌功率2.5kW、搅拌时间10s。     

Research on semi-solid slurry of a hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring

The semi-solid slurry of a hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy was manufactured by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. The effects of pouting temperature and stirring power on the semi-solid slurry were investigated. The results indicated that the semi-solid slurry to satisfy rheocasting can be manufactured by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. The pouring temperature （or superheat） and the stirring power remarkably affected the morphology of primary α-Al and the size of primary α-Al, and there is no obvious effect of stirring time on primary α-Al. Compared with the samples made by low superheat pouring with no stirring, the nucleation rate, particle morphology and grain size of primary α-Al in A356 were markedly improved by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. On the condition of weak electromagnetic stirring, the pouring temperature with low superheat can be suitably raised to reach the effectiveness obtained from the lower pouring temperature without stirring.     

Manufacture technique of semi-solid slurry of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring

Semi-solid metal (SSM) process is a relatively new technology that offers distinct advantages over other near-net-shape casting processes, such as a more homogeneous microstructure, less porosity and segregation, and improved mechanical properties[1-3]. SSM can be divided into thixoforming and rheoforming, in which rheoforming is usually advantageous from the point of view of an energy and cost saving when compared with thixoforming, so rheoforming has been paid attention again by engineers i…     

Effect of pouring temperature on semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy prepared by slightly electromagnetic stirring

The semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy is prepared by a combination technology of low superheat poudng and slightly electromagnetic stirring. The effects of pouring temperature on the slurry prepared by the technology are investigated. The results indicate that it is feasible to prepare the slurry with globular primary phases by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, and that the pouring temperature has an important effect on the morphology and the size of primary α-Al in ZL101 alloy. By applying suitable slightly electromagnetic stirring combining with relatively increased pouring temperature, i.e., in a practical way to apply low superheat pouring technology, is capable of obtaining appropriate semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy with globular shape of primary phase. Compared with the samples made by low superheat pouring only without stirring, the samples prepared by applying both slightly electromagnetic stirring and low superheat pouring can enable to achieve the same grain size and morphology of the primary phase with that of pouring at 15-35℃ higher.     

高效节能制备半固态合金浆料的新工艺

应用高效节能的工艺制备了半固态合金浆料,该工艺采用了低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌。研究了主要工艺参数对半固态合金浆料的影响。结果表明,低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌工艺可制备满足流变成形所需的半固态合金浆料,浇注温度和搅拌功率显著影响初生α-Al晶粒的形貌和尺寸。通过对合金熔体的弱电磁搅拌,可适当提高低过热度浇注的温度,实现高效和节能的目的。     

Effect of pouring temperature on fractal dimension of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy

The fractal dimensions of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring were calculated, and the effect of pouring temperature on fractal dimension of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy was researched. The results indicate that it is feasible to prepare semisolid A356 alloy slurry by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, and there is an important effect of pouring temperature on the morphology and the grain size of the primary phase in semi-solid A356 alloy, in which the reduction of pouring temperature can obviously improve grain size and shape factor of primary phase in semi-solid A356 alloy under the condition of a certain stirring power. The primary phase morphology of semi-solid A356 alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring can be characterized by fractal dimension, and the primary phase morphology obtained by the different processing parameters has the different fractal dimensions. Solidification of semi-solid alloy is a course of change in fractal dimension.     

倒锥形通道浇注制备半固态7075铝合金浆料

采用倒锥形通道浇注方法制备了半固态7075铝合金浆料.试验结果表明,当浇注温度为660～690℃、通道内壁锥度在2°～6°之间时,采用锥形通道浇注方法可以制备出较高品质的半固态7075铝合金浆料,且通道内挂料较少;当通道内壁锥度一定时,随着浇注温度降低,初生α -Al的平均晶粒尺寸减小、形状因子提高;当浇注温度一定时,随着通道内壁锥度的增大,初生α -Al的平均晶粒尺寸减小、形状因子提高;在倒锥形通道浇注制备半固态7075铝合金浆料过程中,通道内壁的大量形核和晶粒游离及收集坩埚中的晶粒熟化是获得细小球状初生α-Al晶粒的主要原因.     

电磁-斜槽复合法制备铝合金半固态浆料

采用自制的电磁-斜槽复合浆料制备装置,制备了半固态AlSi9Cu3合金浆料.选取斜槽角度、浇注温度和电磁搅拌电压为试验因素,用正交试验法进行了工艺参数分析.结果表明,对半固态组织初生相平均等效直径的影响顺序为:浇注温度、斜槽角度、搅拌电压;对半固态组织初生相平均圆整度影响的因素顺序为:电磁搅拌电压、斜槽角度、浇注温度.通过试验得到的最优工艺参数:斜槽角度为25°～35°,浇注温度为650℃,电磁搅拌电压为200～300 V.     

MICROSTRUCTURAL FORMATION MECHANISM OF SEMI-SOLID AZ91D ALLOY

With the help of an electromagnetic stirring device and alloy melt quenching technology, the microstntcture of semi-solid AZqlD magnesium alloy slurry stirred by a rotationally electromagnetic fieM was studied and the experimental results are shown as the following. The primary α-Mg grains are refined obviously when the slurry is stirred by a rotational electromagnetic field during continuously cooling and they are eventually changed to fine rosette grains or spherical grains. If the above semi-solid slurty is further stirred isothermally for some time, much more spherical primary α-Mg grains can be obtained. If the melt is first cooled down to a given semi-solid temperature and then starts being stirred by the rotational electromagnetic field, the primary α-Mg dendrites will be large, and a longer time will be taken and a larger stirring power will be needed for the secondary army of the dendrites to be remelted on the roots to prepare an ideal semiolid slurry. Theoretical analysis indicates that the strong flow motion leads to a more even temperature field and a solute field and stronger man-made temperature fluctuation in the AZglD magnesium alloy melt so that the spherical primary α-Mg grains are increased in the slurry. Moreover, all the measures promoting the temperature fluctuation will be favorable to the formation of spherical primary α-Mg grains and all the factors increasing the arm＇s root remelting difficulty will be favorable to the formation of rosette-type primary α-Mg grains.     

Effect of Grain-Refined on Primary α Phase in Semi-Solid A356 Alloy Prepared by low superheat Pouring and Slightil Electromagnetic Stirring

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy, which is grain-refined by Al-Ti-B master alloy, is prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring. The effects of grain refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the slurry manufactured are researched. The results indicate that the slurry with particle-like and rosette-like primary α phases can be prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring from liquid A356 alloy grain-refined, in which the pouring temperature can be suitably raised. Compared with the A356 samples without grain refining, the grain size and particle morphology of primary α phase as well as the distribution of the grain with particle-like or rosette-like along radial in the ingot in A356 are markedly improved by grain refining.     

Microstructures of AZ91D alloy solidified during electromagnetic stirring

With the help of an electromagnetic stirring device self-made and alloy melt quenching technology, the effect of electromagnetic stirring parameters on the microstructures of semi-solid AZ91D alloy was mainly studied at the stirring frequency of 200 Hz. The experimental results show that when the stirring power rises, the primary α-Mg rosettes in the semi-solid melt will bear stronger man-made temperature fluctuation and the root remehing effect of the dendritic arms is promoted so that the spherical primary α-Mg grains become much more and rounder. If the stirring frequency is 200 Hz, the ideal semi-solid microstructure of AZ91D magnesium alloy can be obtained when the stirring power is increased to 6.0 kW. If the stirring frequency is 200 Hz and the stirring power is 6.0 kW, it is found that the lower cooling rate is favorable for the spherical primary α-Mg grains to be developed during the electromagnetic stirring stage. If the AZ91D magnesium alloy billet prepared during electromagnetic stirring at the stirring frequency of 200 Hz and the stirring power of 6.0 kW is reheated to the solidus and liquidus temperature region,the primary α-Mg grain‘s shape will get more spherical, so it is very advantageous to the semi-solid thixoforming process     

Annulus electromagnetic stirring for preparing semisolid A357 aluminum alloy slurry

The effects of pouring temperature and annulus gap width on the microstructure of the semi-solid A357 aluminum alloy slurry prepared by annulus electromagnetic stirring(AEMS) technology were investigated. The results show that low pouring temperature and narrow annulus gap are advantageous to obtaining the small spherical primary α(Al) phase. The lower the pouring temperature is and the smaller the annulus gap width is, the more uniform, the smaller and the more spherical the microstructure is. The microstructures obtained by the ordinary electromagnetic stirring and AEMS were compared. The results indicate that the primary α(Al) particles are globular, small and distribute homogeneously in the slurry obtained by AEMS. But in the slurry obtained by the ordinary electromagnetic stirring, the primary α(Al) particles are small dendrites in the edge of the slurry and they are large and rosette-like or dendritic in the inner of the slurry.     

EFFECT OF GRAIN REFINING ON PRIMARY α PHASE IN SEMI-SOLID A356 ALLOY PREPARED BY LOW SUPERHEAT POURING AND SLIGHT ELECTROMAGNETIC STIRRING

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy, which is grain-refined by Al-Ti-B master alloy, is prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring. The effects of grain refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the slurry manufactured are researched. The results indicate that the slurry with particle-like and rosette-like primary α phases can be prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring from liquid A356 alloy grain-refined, in which the pouring temperature can be suitably raised. Compared with the A356 samples without grain refining, the grain size and particle morphology of primary α phase as well as the distribution of the grain with particle-like or rosette-like along radial in the ingot in A356 are markedly improved by grain refining.     

半固态金属浆料先进制备技术的研究进展

总结了10多年来半固态金属浆料先进制备工艺的研究和应用现状,分别介绍了压室浆料、双螺旋机械搅拌浆料、低过热度倾斜板浇注浆料、低过热度浇注和弱机械搅拌浆料、连续流变转换浆料、低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌浆料、蛇形通道浇注浆料、熔体分散混合浆料、转桶搅拌浆料、波浪倾斜板浇注浆料、旋转倾斜圆筒浆料、超声振动浆料、倒锥形通道浇注浆料、自孕育浆料、偏旋热焓平衡浆料、气泡搅拌浆料、环状电磁搅拌浆料等金属浆料的先进制备工艺及其发展前景。     

Preparation of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy semisolid slurry through a water-cooled serpentine pouring channel

The semisolid slurry of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy was prepared through a self-designed water-cooled copper serpentine pouring channel(WSPC) machine. Influences of pouring temperature, the number of turns and the cooling water flow rate on the microstructure of the semisolid Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy slurry were investigated. The results show that the semisolid Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy slurry with satisfactory quality can be generated by the WSPC when the pouring temperature is in the range between 680 ℃ and 700 ℃. At a given pouring temperature, the average grain size of primary α-Al decreases and the shape factor increases with the increase of the number of turns. When the cooling water flow rate is 450 L·h~(-1), the obtained semisolid slurry is optimal. During the preparation of the semisolid Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy slurry with low superheat pouring, the alloy melt has mixed inhibition and convection flow characteristics by "self-stirring". When the alloy melt flows through the serpentine channel, the chilling effect of the inner wall of the channel, the convection and mixed inhibition of the alloy melt greatly promote the heterogeneous nucleation and grain segregation. This effect destroys the dendrite growth mode under traditional solidification conditions, and the primary nuclei gradually evolve into spherical or nearspherical grains.     

电磁搅拌对AlSi7Mg合金显微组织的影响

采用自行开发的电磁搅拌器,研究了多种不同电磁搅拌方式,在不同工艺条件下,单独施加或复合施加对AlSi7Mg合金微观组织的影响.试验结果表明：单一施加旋转感应电磁搅拌时,浆料径向组织很不均匀;单一施加无芯感应电磁搅拌,当搅拌电流较小时,径向组织也不均匀,增大电流浆料质量有明显改善;采用（旋转感应＋无芯感应）复合电磁场进行复合电磁搅拌时,可在电流较小时获得满意的浆料质量.     

半固态金属浆料制备技术的研究进展

总结了30余年来半固态金属浆料制备技术的研究和应用现状,分别介绍了压室浆料制备技术、单螺旋机械搅拌浆料制备技术、双螺旋机械搅拌浆料制备技术、低过热度倾斜板浇注浆料制备技术、低过热度浇注和弱机械搅拌浆料制备技术、连续流变转换浆料制备技术、低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌浆料制备技术、蛇形通道浇注浆料制备技术、熔体分散混合浆料制备技术、转桶搅拌浆料制备技术、波浪倾斜板浇注浆料制备技术、旋转倾斜圆筒浆料制备技术、超声振动浆料制备技术、熔体处理和双向电磁搅拌浆料制备技术、低于液相线温度浆料制备技术、偏旋热焓平衡浆料制备技术、气泡搅拌浆料制备技术及其发展前景。     

Effect of yttrium on the microstructure of a semi-solid A356 Al alloy

The semi-solid slurry of an A356 Al alloy,which was grain-freed by yttrium,was manufactured by low temperature pouring.The effects of grain-refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy were researched.The results indicate that the semi-solid A356 Al alloy with particle-like and rosette-like primary α-Al can be prepared by low temperature pouring from a liquid grain-refined A356 alloy.The grain size and particle morphology of primary α-Al in the A356 Al alloy are markedly improved by the addition of 0.5 wt.% Y.The fining mechanism of Y on the morphology and grain size of the primary α-Al in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy was delved.     

Effect of local chilling on morphology of primary α (Al) in semi-solid A356 alloy

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy was prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, in which a pure copper rod was used to produce local chilling. The effect of chilling by the rod on morphology and size of primary α (Al) in A356 was researched. The results indicate that the chilling by the rod remarkably affects the morphology and the size of primary α (Al). Primary α (Al) with particle-like shape is distributed uniformly in A356, and there is no transient area in structure morphology. Compared with the samples prepared without the local chilling, the nucleation rate, morphology and grain size of primary α (Al) in A356 prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring with the rod are markedly improved. Under the condition of chilling, the pouring temperature can be suitably raised to obtain primary α (Al) with particle-like shape.