Patent ID: 6719859
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B22D,C22C,C22F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of forming an aluminum base alloy member having a globular microstructure contained in a lower melting eutectic matrix, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a body of a semi-solid aluminum base alloy comprising 3.5 to 4.9 wt. % Si, 3.6 to 5 wt. % Cu, 0.3 to 1 wt. % Mg, max. 0.25 wt. % Fe, max. 0.1 wt. % Mn, max. 0.25 wt. % Zn, and max. 0.25 wt. % Ti, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities; (b) providing a mold for said member; (c) injecting said alloy in semi-solid form into said mold; (d) cooling said mold to solidify said semi-solid base aluminum alloy to provide said cast member having a globular microstructure contained in a lower melting eutectic matrix; (e) aging said member at a temperature in the range of 200Â° to 400Â° F. for a period of 1 to 24 hours.