Effects of Process Parameters on the Macrostructure of a Squeeze-Cast Mg-2.5 mass%Nd Alloy

Abstract

The effects of applied pressure, pouring and die temperatures on the macrostructure of a squeeze-cast Mg-2.5 mass%Nd alloy were investigated. The grain size of the Mg-2.5 mass%Nd alloy increased with increasing applied pressure from 60 to 180 MPa when the pouring and die temperatures were 725°C and 330°C. This was attributed to the melting temperature at the time when pressure was applied under the pouring temperature of 725°C, higher than the liquid temperature. Whilst, the pouring and die temperatures are 700°C and 330°C, the grain size of the alloy decreased with increasing applied pressure from 0 to 180 MPa. Lower die and pouring temperatures were favorable to refine grains, but the effects of the die temperature on the distribution and structure of grains were much smaller than those of the pouring temperature.