Semi-solid extrusion of aluminum alloy ZL116

Abstract

The semi-solid forward-extruding feasibility of reheated ZL116 alloy cast by the near-liquidus semicontinuous casting process was studied by analyzing the microstructures and properties of forward-extruded bars.The results show that the microstructure of the ZL116 alloy billets cast by near-liquidus semi-continuous casting is mainly made up of homogeneous, fi ne global- or rosette-shaped grains. The microstructure of the billets, reheated and held at 575℃, contains stable and net-spherical grains which are suitable for semi-solid thixoforming. The semi-solid forward-extruded bars of the ZL116 alloy billet are facially smooth, microstructurally fine and homogeneous. Therefore the feasibility of semi-solid forward-extrusion of ZL116 alloy is thus excellent.

Keywords

• near-liquidus semi-continuous casting
• ZL116 alloy
• reheated
• semi-solid forward-extrusion
• microstructure and property