Effect of Post Cast Heat Treatment on Cu20wt.%Sn on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Casting is one method of making metal components that are widely used in industry and up to date. The sand casting method is used due to its simplicity, ease of operation, and low cost. In addition, the casting method can produce cast products in various sizes and is well-suited for mass production. However, the disadvantage of casting, especially gravity casting, is that it has poor physical and mechanical properties. Tin bronze Cu20%wt.Sn is melted in a furnace, then poured at a temperature of 1100 degrees C into a sand mold. The cast product is a rod with 400 mm in length, 10 mm in thickness, and 10 mm in width. The heat treatment mechanism is carried out by reheating the cast specimen at a temperature of 650 degrees C, holding it for 4 hours, and then rapid cooling. The specimens were observed microstructure, density, and mechanical properties include tensile strength and bending strength. The results showed that there was a phase change from alpha + delta to alpha + beta phase, an increase in density as a result of a decrease in porosity and a coarse grain to a fine grain. In addition, the tensile strength and bending strength of the Cu20wt.%Sn alloy were increased and resulted in a more ductile alloy through post-cast heat treatment.