High speed twin roll casting of Al-3Si-0.6Mg strip

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is to clear the possibility of high speed roll casting of thin strip of Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg alloy. Investigation of the mechanical properties of the roll cast Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg strip was purpose, too.Design/methodology/approach: Method used in the present study was high speed twin roll caster and low temperature casting. These methods were used to realize rapid solidification, and increase of casting speed.Findings: Findings are that Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg was could be cast at speed of 60 m/min. This strip was 3.1 mm-thick. As cast strip could be cold-rolled down to sheet of 1 mm-thick. 180 degrees bending test was operated on the sheet after T4 heat treatment and crack was not occurred at the outer surface.Research limitations/implications: Research limitation is that the width of the strip was 100 mm and investigation of the properties was not enough for practical use. Wider strip must be cast using the twin roll caster of the size for production.Practical implications: Practical implications are as below. The economy sheet for the auto mobile can be produced by the high speed twin roll caster. Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg can be used both the casting and plastic forming. Therefore, fractionation in the recycle of the aluminum alloy will becomes easy. The content of Fe in the recycled aluminum alloy increases. Fe becomes intermetallic of AlSiFe. Si for Mg2Si becomes deficient. 3%Si was enough for Mg2Si if AlSiFe was precipitated. Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg is suitable for recycle.Originality/value: The result means the roll cast Al-3%Si-0.6%Mg has ability to be used as the body sheet of the auto mobile.