Abstract
Squeeze-expulsion casting process was applied to thin plate castings of aluminum-silicon alloys and the effects of casting variables on the castability of these alloys were investigated. The chosen casting variables including the squeeze velocity of the movable half-mold and mold materials had an effect on the appearance of casting surfaces, formation of internal porosities or shrinkage cavities and the casting thickness. The appearance of the casting surface also varied with the Si content ; the surface became less smooth in a hypereutectic composition. The optimal thin plate castings were obtained with Al-5% Si alloys cast under such conditions that resulted in the thickness of 2 to 3mm. Dependence of casting thickness on the half-mold velocity was discussed on the basis of the skin-freezing velocity.
