Low-pressure casting of LM25 (Al-7Si-0.3 Mg) aluminium alloy

Abstract

Low-pressure casting (LPC) is a specialized process for producing thin component castings of ferrous and nonferrous metals and alloys. This process has fewer casting and mold-filling problems than conventional processes like gravity and pressure-die casting, thus giving rise to castings with good mechanical properties. In the present study, LM25 (Al-7Si-0.3Mg) aluminium alloy castings have been produced using indigenously designed and developed LPC setup. Using this process, defect-free, quality castings as well as thin castings of thickness down to 2mm have been successfully cast. The strength properties of LP cast LM25 alloy are found to he higher than those of the gravity cast alloy. The microstructure of LPC aluminium alloy is seen with fewer casting defects and less porosity.