Impact of pouring temperature on the mechanical properties of Al5.9Cu1.9Mg alloy

Purpose: This experiment aims to determine the influence of pouring temperature on the hardness, impact energy, tensile strength, and changes in the microstructure of the Al-5.9Cu- 1.9Mg alloy. Design/methodology/approach: A total of three samples of aluminium alloy were heated to 688, 738, and 788°C, and poured into permanent moulds in form of plates at a constant temperature of 220°C. The cast products are machined according to testing standards for hardness, impact tests, and tensile strength. Findings: The results showed that the metal hardness and impact energy increased to 103 BHN and 7.48 J at 788°C, respectively, while the tensile strength rises as the temperatures decreases. Furthermore, the changes in the microstructure were affected, which indicated that all the properties of the aluminium alloy were influenced by the variations in temperature. Research limitations/implications: During the metal casting process, only three different pouring temperatures affected the properties of the metal alloy, therefore, there is a need for more variations. Practical implications: The proposed pouring temperature parameter is an important condition for industrial foundry applications to obtain the right product for use in a machining element. Originality/value: This research shows the influence of the difference in pouring temperatures on the properties of metal alloys due to casting, where they will be adapted for a particular use.