We have investigated the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the alloy riser thus reducing the volume and improving the microstructure of molten A356 alloy. A unique horn shape and shrinkage cavity mold was designed for this study. High power ultrasonic vibration was then introduced into the riser of the molten aluminum during solidification of the A356 alloy. As a result, the shrinkage cavities are decreased and the riser efficiency is improved. In addition, the morphology of primary ¡-Al phase in the casting alloy changes from dendrite to granule in nature after the ultrasonic vibration treatment. This study suggests that ultrasonic vibration can be used to reduce the riser volume in an A356 alloy casting sample.
The effects of core materials on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al casting products have been investigated. The Al casting samples and cylinder head were fabricated by using organic and inorganic binder core respectively, and their microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The Al casting samples fabricated by using inorganic core showed the better mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation than those of the Al casting samples fabricated by using organic core. That's because the Al casting samples contained small amount of pore defects and had fine microstructure compared with the Al casting samples fabricated by using organic core. Also, the use of inorganic core effectively reduced harmful gas emission and pollution.
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