A20X Next Generation Cast Aluminium Alloy

The A20X alloy, developed by Aeromet International Plc, is a modified version of the A201 alloy where the complex castability issues associated with aluminium-copper based alloys have been eliminated. This has been achieved through small but significant compositional modifications resulting in alterations to the solidification mechanisms of the alloy. The castability of A20X is equivalent to current aerospace and automotive casting alloys allowing large and complex components to be produced. This solidification engineering results in a reduction in the property scatter and compositional inhomogeneity typically associated with aluminium copper based alloys. The modified solidification mechanisms also allow for a significantly reduced feeding requirement and a reduction in the use of mould chills, thus resulting in simplified mould designs and increased metal yields even when compared to aluminium-silicon based casting alloys. Due to enhanced homogeneity and its isotropic microstructure the A20X alloy can realistically compete with 2000 and 7000 series fabrications, forgings and machined from solid production routes. In addition to benefits in castability and increased tensile property homogeneity, the A20X alloy exhibits a number of beneficial ‘secondary’ material properties, these include; excellent stress corrosion cracking resistance, enhanced wear resistance and exceptional weldability. The aforementioned material properties offer further significant benefits over conventional copper based cast aluminium alloys.