Abstract
In the current study, the influence of solution heat treatment and aging conditions on the strength and quality index of 354 castings was investigated. Increasing the solutionizing temperature up to 525C (977F) increased the strength and quality index values of 354 castings, containing different levels of iron. A prolonged solutionizing time was also found to further improve the alloy mechanical properties and quality index. The addition of strontium to the 354 alloys noticeably affected the response of these castings to solution heat treatment by reducing the solutionizing time required to achieve the same level of properties as the non-modified castings. Aging treatment provided a wide range of mechanical properties and quality index values according to the aging conditions (temperatures/times) employed. Aging at 245C (473F) provides significant economical benefits as peak aging occurs after only 15 min of aging. However, this is accompanied by a slight reduction in tensile properties and quality index value of the alloy as compared to aging at a lower temperature of 155C (311F).