O. Taiwo Adewumi, Olabode Taiwo Adewumi Steel Construction Co. Ltd., Ojota Lagos, Nigeria
The successful use of aluminum alloy castings in load bearing applications in modern autos depends critically on component design, control of the casting and subsequent heat treating applications. The manufacture of cast front and rear control arms and rear trailing arms is described. The components are produced in cells consisting of a casting machine, drop bottom solution heat treat furnaces and mobile quench tank, and aging ovens. Critical parameters such as: alloy control, casting pressure, 100% X-ray test, temperature control and uniformity during heat treat, and convective patterns in furnace, oven and quench tank, are emphasized. The success of the heat treat manufacturing sequence is demonstrated by the zero defect rate achieved by Amcast on this equipment. Relative materials include A356.2 aluminum base alloy.
Descriptors: Aluminum; Heat treatment; Aluminum base alloys; Automotive components; Casting alloys; Nonferrous castings; Solution heat treatment; Quenching (cooling); Aging (artificial); Al Si Mg alloys
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The successful use of aluminum alloy castings in load bearing applications in modern autos depends critically on component design, control of the casting and subsequent heat treating applications. The manufacture of cast front and rear control arms and rear trailing arms is described. The components are produced in cells consisting of a casting machine, drop bottom solution heat treat furnaces and mobile quench tank, and aging ovens. Critical parameters such as: alloy control, casting pressure, 100% X-ray test, temperature control and uniformity during heat treat, and convective patterns in furnace, oven and quench tank, are emphasized. The success of the heat treat manufacturing sequence is demonstrated by the zero defect rate achieved by Amcast on this equipment. Relative materials include A356.2 aluminum base alloy.
Descriptors: Aluminum; Heat treatment; Aluminum base alloys; Automotive components; Casting alloys; Nonferrous castings; Solution heat treatment; Quenching (cooling); Aging (artificial); Al Si Mg alloys
