Squeeze casting for metal alloys and composites: An overview of influence of process parameters on mechanical properties and microstructure

Squeeze casting is a well-established and reliable process for fabricating high-integrity metallic alloys, bimetals, and composites. The quality and high performance of squeeze cast components are dependent on optimum casting conditions. Inappropriate selection of parameter values may adversely affect the quality of the casting. The squeeze cast components are generally subjected to secondary processing such as heat treatment, extrusion, and other bulk deformation processes to improve the microstructural features and mechanical properties. Heat treatment further refines the grains and reduces porosity, consequently improving tensile strength, and hardness; however, ductility decreases. This paper provides a comprehensive review on studies concerning the influence of processing parameters on porosity, density, percentage elongation, strength, hardness, wear, and fracture of squeeze casting alloys, aiming to provide sufficient information on the squeeze casting process and the effects of processing parameters on product quality.