Squeeze casting of Al-Cu alloy

In order to use the cast method to replace forge method in producing the load-bearing wheel used in certain heavy duty vehicle, simplified and reduced size load-bearing wheels were squeeze cast and studied using Al-Cu alloy. Tensile properties, hardness, microstructures and morphologies of the squeeze-cast wheels were investigated. The results show that the finer microstructure, higher density, strength, toughness and hardness were achieved through the squeeze casting. Ultimate tensile strength of 428 MPa, yield strength of 360 MPa, elongation of 13.1% were achieved for T5 heat-treated squeeze-cast wheels. The Brinell hardness of squeeze-cast wheels is from HB 120 to HB 137.