Effects of slope plate variable and reheating on semi-solid structure of ductile cast iron

Semi-solid metal casting and forming are known as a promising process for a wide range of metalalloys production. In spite of growing application of semi-solid processed light alloys, a few works have been reportedabout semi-solid processing of iron and steel. In this research inclined plate was used to change dendritic structureof iron to globular one. The effects of length and slope of plate on the casting structure were examined. The resultsshow that the process can effectively change the dendritic structure to globular. In the slope plate angle of 7.5? andlength of 560 mm with cooling rate of 67K·s-1 the optimum nodular graphite and solid globular particle were achieved.The results also show that by using slope plate inoculant fading can be prevented more easily since the total time ofprocess is rather short. In addition, the semi-solid ductile cast iron prepared by inclined plate method, was reheated to examine the effectof reheating conditions on the microstructure and coarsening kinetics of the alloy. Solid fraction at different reheatingtemperatures and holding time was obtained and based on these results the optimum reheating temperature rangewas determined.