Effect of Si content on machinability of Al-Si alloys casted sand and metal moulds

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Zinc (Zn), Silicon (Si) and Mangan (Mn) in (AZ91: 2% Al, 1% Zn, AS21: 2% Al, 1% Si, and AM20: 2% Al, 0.5% Mn) magnesium alloys on mechanical properties, wear resistance and machinability. In magnesium alloys, the effect of mechanical properties, wear resistance and machinability was investigated by establishing the impact of 1% zinc (in AZ21), 1% silicon (in AS21), and 0.5%Mn (in AM20) within the microstructure in these alloys with aluminium amount less than 3%. It was found that the intermetallic phases found in the microstructure within the alloy had an effect on mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, hardness), wear resistance and machinability.