Abstract:
A multistage centrifugal atomizer comprises an outer shell that contains an inlet port and an outlet port and that encloses a tundish, a first inclined rotating surface and a second inclined rotating surface. The first inclined rotating surface is opposedly disposed to the second inclined rotating surface. The inlet is used to introduce a molten material into the multistage atomizer and the outlet is used to remove ultrafine particles having a D50 of less than 20 micrometers.
Abstract:
A multistage centrifugal atomizer comprises an outer shell that contains an inlet port and an outlet port and that encloses a tundish, a first inclined rotating surface and a second inclined rotating surface. The first inclined rotating surface is opposedly disposed to the second inclined rotating surface. The inlet is used to introduce a molten material into the multistage atomizer and the outlet is used to remove ultrafine particles having a D50 of less than 20 micrometers.
Abstract:
An aluminum alloy for casting shaped aluminum alloy parts may comprise alloying elements of silicon and chromium and may be formulated to develop a dispersion strengthened and precipitation strengthened microstructure via heat treatment. The aluminum alloy may be formulated to develop a microstructure including an aluminum matrix phase and a fine-grained AlCrSi dispersoid phase when subjected to a solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloy also may be formulated to develop a microstructure including one or more Cu-containing precipitate phases when subjected to an aging heat treatment.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a pin (46) for a o mold (28) includes forming the pin (46) to include a substantially uniform initial hardness throughout the entire structure of the formed pin (46). The formed pin (46) is then processed with a hardening process, such that the processed pin(46) exhibits a hardness defining a hardness gradient that gradually increases from the initial hardness at a central interior region (56) of the pin (46) to an increased surface hardness at an exterior surface (60) of the pin (46). After processing the pin (46) with the hardening process, a coating (64) maybe deposited onto the exterior surface (60) of the pin (46) with a physical vapor deposition process. The coating (64) exhibits a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the increased surface hardness of the exterior surface (60) of the pin (46). The pin (46) may include, for example, a core pin, a squeeze pin, or an ejector pin.
Abstract:
Methods for casting high strength, high ductility lightweight metal components are provided. The casting may be die-casting. A molten lightweight metal alloy is introduced into a cavity of a mold. The molten lightweight metal alloy is solidified and then a solid component is removed from the mold. The solid component is designed to have a thin wall. For example, the solid component has at least one dimension of less than or equal to about 2 mm. In this way, a chill zone microstructure is formed that extends across the at least one dimension of the solid lightweight metal alloy component. The solid component thus may be substantially free of dendritic microstructure formation, enabling more extensive alloy chemistries than previously possible during casting. Such methods may be used to form high strength, high ductility, and lightweight metal alloy vehicle components.
Abstract:
A vehicle wheel, or other axisymmetric shaped article, is formed of an aluminum-based alloy by a combination of a liquid forging step of a pre-form shape of the wheel and a subsequent solid-state flow forming step to complete the specified shape of the wheel. An aluminum-based alloy, containing specified amounts of zinc, silicon, and magnesium is devised for use in the forming process. The composition of the aluminum-based alloy is devised to facilitate the performance of each forming step of the article and the mechanical properties of the final shaped product.
Abstract:
An inner door panel (30) for a vehicle side door that includes an integrated side impact beam (70) formed as part of the door in a die casting process. The inner door panel (30) includes an outer frame having a top rail (38), a bottom rail (40), an inner side rail (42) and an outer side rail (44) defining a central opening (34). The impact beam (70) includes a main beam portion (72), a first end support portion (74) and a second end support portion (78). The first end support portion is formed to the side rail (42) and the second end support portion (78) is formed to the outer side rail (44), where the main beam portion (72) extends across the opening (34).
Abstract:
An aluminum alloy having about 0.03 wt % to about 0.50 wt % Niobium (Nb); about 0.03 wt % to about 0.50% Vanadium (V); about 0.03 wt % to about 0.50% Titanium (Ti), greater than 0 wt % to about 0.50 wt % Boron (B); and the balance is Aluminum (Al) and impurities. The alloy includes a weight percent ratio of (Nb+V)/Ti from about 1 to about 5, preferably from about 2 to about 3. The alloy may include a weight percent ratio (Nb+V+Ti)/B from about 1 to about 15, preferably from about 5 to about 10. The aluminum alloy may be form by incorporating 1 part master alloy, grain refiner, having about 1.5 wt % to about 4.0 wt % Niobium (Nb); from about 0.5 wt % to about 2.0% Titanium (Ti), and from about 0.2 wt % to about 0.8 wt % Boron (B) to about 27 to 80 part conventional aluminum alloy, by weight.
Abstract:
In an example of a method for increasing strength of an aluminum alloy, the aluminum alloy is formed in a molten state. The aluminum alloy includes from about 4 wt % to about 11 wt % silicon, from greater than 0.2 wt % to about 0.5 wt % chromium, from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % magnesium, from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.1 wt % titanium, equal to or less than about 0.5 wt % iron, equal to or less than about 0.5 wt % manganese, and a balance of aluminum. The aluminum alloy is subjected to a solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloy is quenched, and the aluminum alloy is age hardened at an age hardening temperature ranging from about 140° C. to 175° C. for a time period ranging from about 3 hours to about 35 hours.
Abstract:
Methods for casting high strength, high ductility lightweight metal components are provided. The casting may be die-casting. A molten lightweight metal alloy is introduced into a cavity of a mold. The molten lightweight metal alloy is solidified and then a solid component is removed from the mold. The solid component is designed to have a thin wall. For example, the solid component has at least one dimension of less than or equal to about 2 mm. In this way, a chill zone microstructure is formed that extends across the at least one dimension of the solid lightweight metal alloy component. The solid component thus may be substantially free of dendritic microstructure formation, enabling more extensive alloy chemistries than previously possible during casting. Such methods may be used to form high strength, high ductility, and lightweight metal alloy vehicle components.