Case studies in aluminium casting alloys

The case studies presented in this chapter are examples where fundamental knowledge is applied to solve casting problems or to improve understanding of the behaviour of aluminium casting alloys when used in commercial casting processes. Each case study was initiated by an alloy producer, master alloy supplier or caster of aluminium components. The case studies illustrate the impact of a range of factors on casting quality and include the effect of: alloy specification range on microstructure and tensile properties; impurities such as iron on microstructure, defects and properties; grain refinement on defect formation; and excess titanium on foundry alloys.