Optimization of fluidity and mechanical properties of the sand casting A518 alloy by using grey relational analysis method

Thin-wall castings are carried out on A518 alloy, which is known for poor cast-ability which results in fluidity, which in turn may affect the quality of the castings. In the present investigation, the effect of green sand casting process parameters viz. Scrap, Al−2.5Ti−0.25C, SiC, and pouring temperature on the enhancement of fluidity and mechanical properties of the A518 alloy were optimized by Taguchi-based grey relational analysis (GRA). It was observed that optimized parameters obtained from GRA produced a casting with improved properties. Analysis of variance shows the pouring temperature has a significant influence by 30.02%, while Al−2.5Ti−0.25C has an effect of 18.41%, and Sic at 8.92% on the performance characteristics i.e. fluidity and mechanical properties. Confirmation experiments were performed at the optimal parametric combination. The metallurgical characterizations of optimized casting A518 alloy were also studied using Microstructure analysis.