Effect of Intermetallic Phases on the Mechanical Properties of Cast A356 Alloy Wheels

The microstructure and properties of wheels from a low pressure casting A356 alloy have been studied. Present study focus effect of intermetallic phases on mechanical properties of cast A356 alloy wheels. It was found that each alloy has different types of intermetallic phase in the microstructure. Also, low pressure casting A356 alloy wheel were remelted and tested for mechanical properties. It shows that 5976 alloy containing higher iron shows the decreased in strength and elongation. However, the hardness is higher than 5975 alloy. This is mainly due to the presence of brittle beta-AlSiFe phase in the microstructure. The large size of beta-AlSiFe phase was usually precipitated in the slow solidification area.