Chemical Composition and Melt Treatment Optimization of 5XXX and 6XXX Alloys for Ablation Technology

One of the most interesting capabilities of ablation technology is its capability to manufacture uncastable alloys such as alloys of the 5XXX and 6XXX aluminium series. Two conventional wrought alloys with relatively low alloying content were selected aided by thermodynamic simulation to be manufactured by ablation casting technology. Two different grain refiners were tested and compared to unrefined melt alloy. A fine grain size of 0.25-0.30 mm was achieved. The refinement effect was clearly identifiable by thermal analysis technique for both alloys. The density index value and macroinclusion test grades were used to validate the low hydrogen content and the metals' cleanliness. Thus, an optimized chemical composition and melt treatment are defined for 5154 and 6061 alloys suitable for manufacturing by ablation technology. For comparison, 6061 alloy was also cast in a conventional sand mould.