Method for grain refinement of high strength aluminum casting alloys

Abstract

A method of casting an aluminum base alloy to provide a cast product having improved hot crack resistance in the as-cast condition, the method comprising providing a melt of an aluminum base alloy comprised of 2.0 to less than 3.5 wt. % Zn, 2.5 to less than 4 wt. % Mg, a maximum of 2 wt. % total Fe and Mn in combination, max. 0.3 wt. % Si, max. 0.6 wt. % Cu, optionally up to 0.5 wt. % Cr, dissolved Ti in the range of about 0.005 to 0.1 wt. %, and an undissolved nucleating agent in the range of about 0.002 to 0.1 wt. % for grain refining, the balance comprised of aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. A nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, aluminides and borides is added to the melt to provide an undissolved nucleating agent therein, in the range of 0.002 to 0.1 wt. % for grain refining. The said alloy is solidified to provide a cast product having a grain size of less than 125 microns and free of hot cracks.

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