Method determining the suitability of metal compositions for casting

摘要

A process is provided by determining the castability of a metallic composition comprising a metal matrix containing secondary solid and discrete degenerate dendrites. The composition is heated and a calibrated probe is contacted under force to the surface of the composition and a parameter of distance the probe travels into the composition as a function of the force is determined. The composition is castable when the parameter measured corresponds to the condition when at least about 50 wt. % of the secondary solid is liquified and between about 25 and 90 wt. % of the total composition is liquified.