Semi-solid Thixoforming Simulation of Al-Cu-Mn-Ti Alloy Parts via AnyCasting

The software AnyCasting was used to simulate the thixotropic die-casting process of semi-solid Al-Cu-Mn-Ti alloy slurry to form the parts of a particular shape, especially on how the in-gate size of die and injection speed affect the process. The results showed that the die cavity can be filled well with the semi-solid slurry in form of laminar flow under conditions that the temperature of the semi-solid slurry is 640℃ and that of die 200-240 ℃, thickness of in-gate is 11 mm and, more important, the injection speed should be changed from 0.1 to 1.0 m/s when 60％ of die cavity has been filled. The simulation result is highly proved in conformity to the actual die-casting specimens in accordance to the filling process as simulated. Moreover, the hardness of the specimens is up to 116.6 HV after the treatment of solid solution plus underaging, i.e. 45.7％ higher than that in conventional ones.