Investigation of Lost Foam Casted Aluminum Bimetal Microstructures

Abstract

Production and applications of both ferrous and non-ferrous bimetals have been increased due to several advantages and the respective fabrication techniques and procedures are rapidly developing. Liquid metal based fabrication techniques of bimetal production can be classified in two types, i.e., liquid-solid and liquid-liquid processes. Lost foam casting technique can be successfully employed for both liquid-solid and liquid-liquid bimetal composite productions. In this study, A380 and A6063 aluminum alloys were used to produce a bimetallic structure by conventional lost foam casting with the liquid-liquid process. There are two main principles of the liquid-liquid process. Firstly, both alloys are joined in liquid phase and solidified. Secondly, crucible tilting of he metals is carried out synchronously at the same time. The Brinell hardness of the cast specimens was measured and the microstructures of the joint were investigated by light microscope and SEM. Additionally, EDX mapping analysis of the bonding zone was carried out.