Preparation of semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry with big capability

Semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry was prepared by low superheat pouring and weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.The effects of pouring temperature and stirring power on the microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry were studied.The results show that the semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry of 5 kg can be prepared.This new technology can save energy and make the pouring process convenient.When the pouring temperature is decreased at a stirring power of 0.41 kW,the shape of primary α-Al grains gradually changes from dendritic-like to spherical.When the alloy melt is poured at the temperature(630°C) with a certain superheat,the pouring process becomes easier,and the spherical microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry can be prepared by the weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.When the pouring temperature is 630°C,increasing the stirring power appropriately can result in better spherical primary α-Al grains,but if the stirring power is increased to a certain value(1.72 kW),the shape of primary α-Al grains does not obviously improve when the stirring power is continually increased.