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METALLOSTATIC PRESSURE FUNCTION IN THE QUALITY OF Al-Si ALLOY

CASTINGS MADE IN SAND MOULDS

Article  in  Metallurgy and Foundry Engineering · January 2014

DOI: 10.7494/mafe.2014.40.3.191

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Metallurgy and Foundry Engineering – Vol. 40, 2014, No. 3, pp. 191–202
http://dx.doi.org/10.7494/mafe.2014.40.3.191

Jerzy Zych, Marcin Wójcik, Joanna Kolczyk, Tomasz Snopkiewicz

Metallostatic pressure function

in the quality of Al-Si alloy castings
made in sand moulds

Rola ciśnienia metalostatycznego

w kształtowaniu jakości odlewów ze stopów Al-Si
wykonywanych w formach piaskowych

Abstract
The paper presents results of the studies regarding influence of metallostatic pressure of AlSi7Mg
alloy on surface roughness of castings prepared in sand moulds as well as on alloy’s density. Cast-
ings in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 15.0; 25.0 or 3.5 mm and height of 700 mm that
were cast in a vertical orientation are investigated. The melted alloy was poured into moulds in
two ways: bottom up, and top down. Higher pressure and larger diameter of castings favors in-
crease of surface roughness. In the analyzed range of height of a metal column, density increases
linearly: for instance, in case of castings with diameter of ø25 mm, the density increases from
ρ = 2.60 g/cm3 to ρ = 2.68 g/cm3, what is about 0.10 g/cm3. In the roller with larger diameter,
the density is slightly smaller, however the range of changes along the longer axis is similar to that
in the cylinder with diameter of ø25 mm. Additional, ultrasonic studies were performed, which
prove that with small changes of the alloy density, velocity of a longitudinal wave changes only
slightly. Thus, it is difficult to control small variations (Δρ < 0,10 g/cm3) in density of AlSi7Mg alloy
with ultrasonic technique.
Key words: aluminium casting, metallostatic pressure, density, surface roughness

Streszczenie
W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań wpływu ciśnienia metalostatycznego stopu AlSi7Mg na
chropowatość powierzchni odlewów wykonywanych w formach piaskowych oraz na gęstość sto-
pu. Badaniami objęto odlewy w kształcie walca o średnicach d = 15.0; 25.0 i 3.5 mm i wysokości
h = 700 mm wykonywanych w pozycji pionowej. Formy zalewano na dwa sposoby: od dołu i od

Jerzy Zych Ph.D. D.Sc., Marcin Wójcik M.Sc., Joanna Kolczyk Ph.D., Tomasz Snopkiewicz M.Sc.:
AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Foundry Engineering, Krakow, Poland; e-mail: [email protected]

191
góry. Chropowatość powierzchni zwiększa się przy wyższych wartościach ciśnienia oraz wraz ze
zwiększeniem grubości odlewów. W badanym zakresie zmian wysokości słupa metalu gęstość
zwiększa się w sposób liniowy. Przykładowo dla odlewów o średnicy ø25 mm gęstość rośnie od
ρ = 2.60 g/cm3 do ρ = 2.68 g/cm3, o niecałe 0.10 g/cm3. W grubszym wałku gęstość jest nieco
mniejsza, a zakres zmian na wysokości jest podobny jak w wałku ø25 mm. Dodatkowe badania
ultradźwiękowe pozwalają stwierdzić, iż przy tych niewielkich zmianach gęstości stopu, prędkość
fali podłużnej zmienia się w niewielkim stopniu. Techniką ultradźwiękową trudno jest kontrolo-
wać niewielkie zmiany (Δρ < 0,10 g/cm3) gęstości stopu AlSi7Mg.
Słowa kluczowe: odlewy aluminiowe, ciśnienie metalostatyczne, gęstość, chropowatość po-
wierzchni

1. Introduction
Non-ferrous metals alloys, mainly aluminium alloys and more widely magnesium alloys,
are applied in technique. Alloys of this group are characterised by a strong oxygen af-
finity and low density. Due to these two features, different approaches to design and
to cast gating systems for these alloys are required than are necessary for other casting
alloys,. Especially difficult is designing the technology for castings obtained by gravita-
tional mould fillings. Castings of this group, small in sizes, are made in the die casting
technology in metal moulds. However, this specific technology is not considered in this
paper. A casting production from light metals alloys, including Al alloys in sand moulds,
is characterised by its own specificity.
Metallostatic pressure as a result of the metal column height in the mould is one of
the most important technological factors influencing final casting quality. This pressure
is important at three stages of the casting process, in the sand mould technology:
1) at the mould cavity pouring (it decides flow velocity and character – a laminar or
turbulent flow),
2) during shaping, the surface layer structure of the casting (it decides, to a large de-
gree, on casting surface smoothness),
3) during solidification (it influences density and compactness of the solidifying alloy).
Based on the investigations performed, the analysis of the metallostatic pressure in-
fluence on the quality of castings (made of the selected Al-Si alloys) is presented in the pa-
per. This influence of pressure was analysed at all three stages of the casting process.

2. The pressure function in the mould pouring process

It is generally known that the laminar stream should be used for moulds filling in or-
der to obtain castings of light metal alloys without defects. The liquid flow in channels
can be either laminar (quiet) or turbulent (stormy, disordered, chaotic). In the laminar
movement, individual particles are moving in straight lines parallel to the channel axis,
while in the turbulent movement, particles perform several additional, very complicated,

192
movements in the  transverse direction despite the  main longitudinal movements.
The character of the liquid metal movement in the mould-gating system channels de-
pends on: a  stream velocity, alloy viscosity, shape, and size of the  channel in which
the flow occurs. The relationship of these values for the channel of a circular cross-section
provides the Reynolds number Re, equation (1):
θ⋅D
Re = (1)
v
where:
Re – Reynolds number, dimensionless,
D – channel inner diameter,
θ – average – on the channel cross-section – stream velocity, m/s,
ν – coefficient of kinematic viscosity, m2/s.

It was found that, for the straight channel of a circular cross-section through which
water flows, this critical Re = 2.320. Numerical values of the  critical Reynolds number
value are within a range: from 4.500 to 50.000. Several tests were performed to deter-
mine the allowable level of metal turbulent flow in the mould (in the case of casting light
metals alloys). The author [1], who investigated flows of light metals alloys (aluminium
matrix), determined that the Re number value for: gate runner should not exceed 10.000,
sprue – 7.000, gates – 1.100, and for a mould cavity – 780.
The connection between the metal stream velocity in the gating system and metal-
lostatic pressure is described by the Torricelli equation (2).
θ = μ ⋅ 2 g ⋅ Hmet (2)
where:
μ – coefficient of flow efficiency, dimensionless,
g – acceleration of gravity, m/s2,
Hmet. – metal column height, m.

Unfortunately, the laminar flow is difficult to obtain (especially at high metal pres-

sures); therefore, a mould pouring at a partially turbulent flow (when the Re number is
slightly higher than its critical value) is allowed.
The results obtained during investigations of the Reynolds number influence [2] on
the contamination degree of the test casting made of the Al alloys for two cases (straight
casting and complex-shape casting) are shown in Figure 1. The Re number was deter-
mined for the mould cavity on the bases of the flow velocity and casting cross-section
parameters (described by R – hydraulic stream profile). For straight shapes of the mould
cavity, the build-up of inclusions starts when Re > 2.600, while for complex shapes – al-
ready when Re > 780.
Based on the obtained results [2], it is possible to compile the allowable, maximal
Reynolds number values determined for individual segments of the metal flow from

193
the pouring basin to the mould cavity (Tab. 1). This data can be utilised for the veri-
fying the gating system and mould cavity filling by metal at the stage of the pouring
process simulation by means of computer software. The results of industrial tests of hy-
poeutectic Al alloys confirmed the correctness of the Re number values given in Table 1.
When these values were adhered to, castings were not contaminated with oxides [2].
The data verification was also positive for magnesium alloys.

Fig. 1. Influence of flow conditions (Reynolds number) on the Al alloys castings contamination degree
with inclusions, 1 – complex mould, 2 – straight mould [2]

Table 1. Maximal allowable values of the Re number for aluminium alloys [2]

Segment of the metal flow Re(max) θ·R [cm2/s]

in the casting mould Acc. [1] Acc. [9] Acc. [1] Acc. [9]

Gate runner (WG) 43.500 48.300 65.25 72.50

Sprue (WR) 28.000 33.800 42.00 50.75

Gate (WD) 7.800 5.300 11.70 7.96

Mould cavity:
– straight 2.600 1.350 3.90 –
– complex 780 – 1.17 2.03

Metallostatic pressure by influencing the flow velocity in the gating system decides

how distant the real alloy flow (most often turbulent) is from the laminar flow. At ex-
cessively high gate runners (metallostatic pressure), metal flow velocity can be slowed
down by increasing the resistance of flow (increasing μ in equation 2) by applying filters
or using complex (not straight) gate runners.

194
3. Pressure influence on casting surface quality
The second zone in the casting process in which pressure plays an important function
is shaping the  casting surface state. Applying the  investigation method developed in
the Laboratory of Foundry Moulds Technology (Faculty of Foundry Engineering – AGH
University of Science and Technology), it was shown in paper [3] that the roughness of
castings made of Al alloys in sand moulds increases when pressure increases (metal col-
umn height). Investigations in this scope were continued in the research presented here.
Tests were realised on cast in the form of rollers in a vertical position. The view of three
rollers of the AlSi7Mg alloy made in one green sand mould is shown in Figure 2a. This
mould was poured with metal at temperature Tpuring = 750°C. Two fragments of the roller
of ø25 mm, cut out from its bottom and upper parts, are shown in Figure 2b. The rough-
ness diversification scale can be noticed in this figure (of course, this is only of the quali-
tative comparison character).
a) b) c) –0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0
0 Profile [mm]
Metallostatic pressure [mm]
100

200

300

400

500

600

700

  of metallostatic pressure (metal

Fig. 2. Influence   column height) on the surface quality of Al-Si alloys
castings: a) view of surfaces of castings of various thicknesses; b) view of the surface in a closeness;
c) surface roughness profile obtained by means of the laser measurement

When analysing the  pressure influence on surface smoothness of the  described

castings, measurements of their surface roughness were also performed. These tests
were carried out on the laser stand built in the Laboratory of Moulds Technology (Fig. 3).

195
The non-contact surface laser profilometer was built with the application of the Com-
puterized Numerical Control (CNC) mechanism. The CNC mechanism assures very precise
head movement and scanning of the arbitrary selected segment on the sample surface.
The  laser converter of the  OMRON Company was used as the  head. After positioning
the head above the measured point, the control program waits for the given time (to
dampen eventual vibrations of the whole system) and takes measurements. The meas-
urement (taking off the selected segment profile) is done by the head passing above
the tested surface. The authors’ own control program assures the laser converter is guid-
ed on the given path (the most often with the set and blocked Z axis). Measurements are
saved in the text file and processed – the needed parameters are calculated. The data
processing is possible even after a long time. It is also possible to measure and illustrate
the surface of the object lying on a table.
The example of the recorded surface profile is shown in Figure 2c. Investigations of
the profile confirm the previously-described casting surface state. Metallostatic pressure
was increased to 700 mm, which (in practice) corresponds to maximal heights of green sand
moulds. Larger heights are usually not used. Envelopes of the roughness profile are marked
by dashed lines in Figure 2c. On the bases of the recorded profile, it is possible to calculate
(determine) the majority of parameters describing raw surface states; i.e., Ra, Rz, Rmax.

 
Fig. 3. Stand of the laser measurement of the roughness of the raw casting surface

The application of the  new generation of profilometer should be emphasised.

The non-contact measurement allows us to investigate casting surfaces of an arbitrary
profile and Rmax value. Mechanical profilometers allow us to measure the surface state up
to the Ra parameter within the range 40–60 μm. New measuring techniques significantly
increase research possibilities.

196
4. Influence of metallostatic pressure on alloy density
Metallostatic pressure can play an essential role in the shaping process of the macrostruc-
ture and structure compactness at making ‘vertically-situated’ castings characterised by
relatively large dimensions (at least several dozen cm). Such a situation occurs in the case
of ferrous alloys, especially grey cast iron alloys. This thesis was verified in relation to Al al-
loys. Two sets of rollers were prepared; one mould (shown in Figure 4a) was poured from
the top; the second (shown in Figure 4b) was poured from the bottom. Moulds were pre-
pared in the ‘horizontal’ position while poured in the ‘vertical’ position. Such a pouring
method allowed us to obtain a large diversification of metallostatic pressure in the mould
cavities. Castings were made of Al-Si alloys (containing app. 7.0% Si). The view of test rollers
poured from the top is also shown in Figure 2a. Alloy density distribution along the height
of the rollers was determined in further investigations. Rollers were cut into segments of
a length of approx. 25 mm. Density tests were performed by means of an electronic scale
equipped with an attachment for measuring density ‘by immersing’ in a liquid. Investiga-
tions were carried out using isopropyl alcohol, what assured good wetting of sample sur-
faces. The obtained results are graphically presented in successive figures.
a) b)

Fig. 4. Sketches of pouring systems of rollers for testing Al-Si alloys density: a) top-down; b) bottom-up
system; 1– roller with ø15 mm, 2 – roller with ø25 mm, 3 – roller with ø35 mm

4.1. Pouring ‘from the top’

Alloys characterised by high oxygen affinity should be poured from the bottom while
maintaining a quiet filling of the mould cavity. However, due to the necessity of dividing
the mould cavity into the part located below the separation surface and located above
the surface, the pouring (filling) of the mould cavity often occurs both from the top and
from the bottom.

197
 The results of testing density distribution along a roller height with a diameter of
25 mm is shown in Figure 5; while in Figure 6, a roller with diameter d = 35 mm. Rollers
were poured from the top, according to the scheme presented in Figure 4a. In both cas-
es, atypical density distribution was observed (the higher the metal column, the lower
the alloy density.
2.72
2.70
= -0,000631h + 2,697
2.68
2.66
Density [g/cm3]

2.64
2.62
2.60
2.58
2.56
2.54
2.52
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Metallostatic pressure [cm]

Fig. 5. Influence of metallostatic pressure on the AlSi7Mg alloy density, pouring ‘from the top’; roller with
diameter d = 25 mm

2.72
2.70
2.68 = - 0,00045h + 2,667
2.66
Density [g/cm3]

2.64
2.62
2.60
2.58
2.56
2.54
2.52
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Metallostatic pressure [cm]

Fig. 6. Influence of metallostatic pressure on the AlSi7Mg alloy density, pouring ‘from the top’; roller with
diameter d = 35 mm

198
 A similar dependence was found for the roller with a diameter of 15 mm. Several fac-
tors were imposed on the solidification process of the rollers. When pouring from the top,
metal flowing to the mould cavity is subjected to very large turbulences, the largest at
the beginning when it ‘falls’ from the highest place. In such a situation, the alloy could
be more-strongly gasified in the upper part. In addition, a relatively large pouring basin
crystallising for the longest time could operate as the feeder supplying the upper parts
of the castings. Both effects probably outbalance the influence of metallostatic pressure,
which is the highest at the bottom in places where the lowest density is found. Density
differences are not large; nevertheless, a certain regularity of density distribution along
each sample’s height was observed. A complete explanation of this atypical effect re-
quires further investigations on a larger number of tests. Then, more conclusions will be
drawn and the effects explained.

4.2. Pouring ‘from the bottom’

Supplementing investigations on the metallostatic pressure influence on the Al-Si alloy
density, rollers were made according to the sketch presented in Figure 4b. These rollers
were cut into short segments and subjected to density measurements. The rollers were
made of the AlSi7Cu2Zn2Mg1Mn alloy, which contained: Cu, Zn, and Fe.
2.72
2.70
= 0,001245h + 2,60
2.68
2.66
Density [g/cm3]

2.64
2.62
2.60
2.58
2.56
2.54
2.52
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Metallostatic pressure [cm]

Fig. 7. Influence of metallostatic pressure, on the AlSi7Mg alloy density; pouring ‘from the bottom’; roller
with diameter d = 25 mm

The results of density measurements at the mould pouring ‘from the bottom’ are

shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this case, the forecasted density distribution was obtained;
i.e., alloy density increased when metallostatic pressure increased. This characteristic of
the influence was observed for all tested roller thicknesses.

199
 When comparing the Al alloy density in rollers of various diameters, it can be no-
ticed that the larger the diameter, the lower the density. This is seen in the case of roll-
ers poured ‘from the top’ (Figs 5 and 6) as well as ‘from the bottom’ (Figs 7 and 8). Thus,
the  confirmation was achieved that another factor influencing the  Al-Si alloy density
is the solidification rate, which decreases when the roller diameter (casting wall thick-
ness) increases.
2.72
2.70
2.68
2.66 = 0,000833h + 2,587

2.64
Density [g/cm3]

2.62
2.60
2.58
2.56
2.54
2.52
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Metallostatic pressure [cm]

Fig. 8. Influence of metallostatic pressure on Al alloy density. Pouring ‘from the bottom’, roller with diam-
eter d = 35 mm

5. Ultrasonic investigations
Controlling the  structure state by a  non-destructive method is an attractive solution
from the point of view of casting testing. Out of several known investigation methods,
the  most widely applied is the  ultrasonic method. Endeavours to assess the  structure
state of rollers by means of measuring main parameters of the wave propagation (its
velocity and damping) were undertaken. Density investigations indicate that along
the 70-cm-high metal column, density changes are rather small, Δρ < 5.0%. Such small
changes are difficult to be revealed by the ultrasonic technique (which was confirmed by
the wave velocity tests in rollers of 35 mm diameter, Figure 9).
In relation to the  damping coefficient, the  second parameter of the  wave propa-
gation, dependence was also very poor. Thus, it can be stated that a  few percentage
(< 5.0%) density changes of Al-Si alloys caused by metallostatic pressure (in the range
Hmet < 70 cm) are quite poorly detectable (and with a low reliability of results) by the ul-
trasonic technique.

200
 6 300

6 200
Ultrasonic velosity CL [m/s]
6 100

6 000
CL = 1,6825h+ 6045,6
5 900 R = 0,241

5 800

5 700

5 600 d = 35mm

5 500
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Metallostatic pressure h [cm]

Fig. 9. Influence of metallostatic pressure during Al-Si alloy solidification on this alloy’s ability to propa-
gate the ultrasound wave (expressed by the wave velocity); pouring ‘from the bottom’; roller with diam-
eter: d = 35 mm

6. Conclusions
Investigations of the metallostatic pressure influence on a broadly-understood quality
of Al-Si castings made in sand moulds presented in this paper constitute a contribution
to this important problem. Attempts were made to draw attention to problems which
occur when making high castings. Conclusions, similar to the structure of our tests de-
scriptions, are grouped in blocks. Based on the analysis of the effects occurring while
making large castings of the Al-Si alloys in high moulds, the conclusions written below
were drawn.
- When the metal column height in the gating system increases, obtaining the lami-
nar metal flow becomes more and more difficult. In consequence, castings with ox-
ide inclusions or gasified castings are obtained.
- Increased metallostatic pressure leads to deeper penetration of the  metal into
the  mould and the  formation of strongly-developed, very rough casting surfaces
(mainly in the  lower parts of the  mould). This conclusion concerns green sand
moulds without protective coatings deposited on their surfaces.
- At a mould pouring ‘from the bottom’, a metallostatic pressure increase of the Al-Si
alloys causes a metal density increase. Density changes at the height ~ 70 cm con-
stitute not more than 5.0%.
- At a mould pouring ‘from the top’, the influence of a metallostatic pressure increase
of the Al-Si alloys on metal density is ambiguous. A small density decrease was found
in higher-pressure zones. Unavoidably, the turbulent character of filling mould cavi-

201
 ties (at such pouring ways) will likely lead to a metal gasification. Density changes
are quite small (up to app. 3.0%).
- The ultrasonic technique in the simplest variant of its application (measurements of
damping and velocity), but is not suitable for controlling small changes of the Al-Si
alloy density.
- The additional conclusion constitutes the statement that, in the case of Al-Si alloys,
the cooling rate increase (smaller wall thickness) allows us to obtain more compact
structures, characterised with higher density.

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[2] Al'tman M.B., Lebedev A.A., Chukhrov M.V.: Plavka i lit'ye legkikh splavov. Metallurgiya, Moskva, 1969
[3] Zych J., Papaj P.: Gładkość powierzchni odlewów ze stopów Al-Si wykonywanych w formach piaskowych.
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