Effects of aging parameters on the quality of 413-type commercial alloys

The use of quality indices and charts to determine the quality of aluminum alloys in terms of their mechanical properties has gained prominence in recent times, although studies reported in the literature have concentrated mainly on Al-Si-Mg and Al-Si-Mg-Cu systems. Eutectic AI-Si alloys such as the 413 alloys investigated in this study are another important class of aluminum alloys used in industrial applications. In view of the lack of similar investigations in the case of these alloys, a detailed analysis of the quality of 413-type alloys using different quality indices was carried out, based on the mechanical properties obtained as a result of the use of chemical modifiers, alloying element additions and heat treatment conditions. Results reveal that the quality maps obtained provide a simple means for selecting the most suitable alloy chemistry and aging conditions in 413-type casting alloys for a given application. Based on the best possible compromise between alloy performance (i.e., mechanical properties) and optimum quality, recommendations may be made for selecting the necessary heat treatment conditions for specific alloy compositions. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.