Effects of Shape of Machining Chips Inserted in Mold on Mechanical Properties of Centrifugal Casts of High Strength Brass Containing Machining Chips

Abstract

  Casts of high strength brass containing machining chips of three different shapes were produced using centrifugal casting. The density, microstructure, Vickers hardness, and wear of the casts were analyzed in order to examine the effects of the shape of the machining chips on microstructure and mechanical properties of the casts. It was found that use of machining chips refines the microstructures in the casts and enhances cast hardness as well. However, because some pores were formed on the outer surface of the casts, the cast density decreased, and wear properties deteriorated. For commercial production, it is necessary to decrease the number of pores in order to increase density. The shape of the chips affected the degree of density and microstructural refinement of the precipitated and parent phases, but not the hardness or the amount of the loss of mass.