Abstract:
High-strength aluminium alloys are frequently used in applications where light-weight and superior specific properties are important considerations. In most cases wrought material is used and the preferred manufacturing processes are precision-die forging, weld-fabrication of plate, or machining of the components from solid. For many components, especially complex shaped parts, casting of the parts would be a significantly more economical production method. However, a major limitation to the use of castings is that cast aluminium components do not currently have the mechanical properties or reliability of their wrought counterparts and as a consequence have so far failed to gain widespread acceptance as viable alternatives to wrought aluminium parts for use in critical applications......