THE INFLUENCE OF THE COOLING EFFECT OF THE MOULDS ON THE QUALITY OF CASTINGS FROM ALUMINUM ALLOYS

The quality of cast components is largely dependent on the structure of the casting. With the achievement of optimal fine grain structure, without any internal or surface defects, it is possible to obtain sufficient mechanical properties of the casting. This effect can be achieved using mould with a higher cooling effect. The aim of this paper consists in evaluation of quality of the cast components from selected aluminum alloys using microstructure analysis and evaluation methods of physical properties of castings. Samples from selected materials have been prepared by casting into the casting moulds with various cooling effect in order to achieve different conditions of solidification and cooling of the test samples.