Aluminum Casting

• Increased pressure tightness. By increasing the number of grains, any micro porosity in the casting is more widely distributed, with a resulting reduction in the number and size of individual pores. The net result is increased pressure tightness.

• Reduced hot tearing. Fine grain castings will distribute and relieve stresses due to solidification shrinkage and thermal contraction better than coarse grain castings.

• Improved mechanical properties. The tensile and elongation properties of a grain refined casting are improved, especially in heavy sections.

• Improved machinability. Fine grain structures allow better surface finishes on machined surfaces. Reduced machine chatter and fewer tear-outs improve tool life and result in smoother finishes.

• Better response to finishing. By reducing the crystal size and improving the constituent particle distribution, the reflectivity of the casting is increased for better anodizing and polishing applications.

• Elimination of salt inclusions. The use of all metallic grain refiners avoids the presence of fluoride/oxide inclusions and the refractory attack that flux additions produce. It provides improved predictability over salt flux refiners

• Improved feeding. By reducing the crystal size of the solidifying casting, the restriction to final metal flow during the last stages of solidification is reduced, resulting in improved soundness and surface finish.

• Reduced chemical segregation. A finer crystal size reduces the effects of micro segregation and coring. A uniform crystal distribution enhances mechanical properties and response to heat treatment.