Semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurry prepared by serpentine pipe with multiple curves casting

Using serpentine pipe with multiple curves casting process, semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurry was prepared. The results show that, at pouring temperatures of 640-680°C, when the number of the curves is 3 and their diameters are 20 mm, the semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurry with shape factor of 0.72-0.85 and grain diameter of 55-75 μm can be prepared. When the number of the curves is 5 and their diameters are 20 mm, the semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurry with shape factor of 0.86-0.92 and grain diameter of 44-58 μm can be prepared. When the number of the curves is 5 and their diameters are 25 mm, the semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurry with shape factor of 0.76-0.90 and grain diameter of 48-68 μm can be prepared. With increasing the number of the curves or decreasing their diameters, the morphology and size of the primary α(Al) grains will be improved. The alloy melt has the effect of self-stirring in the serpentine curve, which can make the primary nuclei gradually evolve into spherical and near-spherical grains.