METHOD FOR PRODUCING ALUMINUM ALLOY CASTINGS AND THE RESULTING PRODUCT

摘要

A method for producing aluminum alloy castings and the resulting product having improved toughness. An Al-Si or Al-Si-Cu alloy containing 4 to 24 wt% of silicon, iron and other incidental impurities, the balance being aluminum is melted, and the melt is heated to a temperature between 780.degree.C and 950.degree.C. The melt is poured into a mold and there solidified. A solution heat treatment and aging are then conducted. The process is suitable for an alloy containing 0.25 to 1.4 wt% of iron. In a preferred embodiment, the alloy consists essentially of 6 to 12 wt% Si, 2 wt% Cu, 0.2 to 0.4 wt% Mg and other incidental impurities, the balance being aluminum. The solution heat treatment is preferably carried out by heating between 525 and 545.degree.C for a period of 1 to 5 hours.