Effect of squeeze casting parameters on the mechanical properties of AZ91-Ca Mg alloys

A study on the effect of squeeze casting parameters on the mechanical properties of AZ91 Mg alloy with 2 wt.% Ca incorporated was conducted. The parameters studied include squeeze casting pressure, melt temperature and mould temperature. It was found that a squeeze casting pressure of 111 MPa and a melt and mould temperature of 800 degrees C and 200 degrees C respectively gave a good combination of tensile and hardness properties in AZ91-2Ca Mg alloy. This was due primarily to the effective mould filling, microstructural refinement and good heat transfer between the molten metal and the mould. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.