Techniques for Improving Ductility of Low-Pressure Diecast Aluminum Wheels.

To improve the ductility of low-pressure diecast 356 alloy wheels for automotive applications, three factors were found to be important, namely, attainment of a rounded silicon phase morphology; attainment of a lower-strength matrix providing improved elongation values; and avoidance of high iron contents to prevent loss in ductility due to the acicular high iron phase. Underaging treatment was found to produce the required balance of properties.