Abstract
The current study was carried out with a view to investigate the influence of a number of metallurgical parameters on the tensile properties and quality indices of two high strength Al-9%Si casting alloys, namely 354 and 359, containing 1.8% Cu-0.5%Mg and 0.5%Mg, respectively. For the purposes of validating their use in industrial applications, a solid database was created, based on the present study, to correlate the tensile properties and the quality indices of these alloys with the most common metallurgical parameters controlling the properties. The variables investigated include iron level; copper content; solution heat treatment conditions; and aging temperatures and times. Quality charts were used as an evaluation tool for selecting the optimum conditions to be applied in practice in order to develop high strength and optimum quality in 354- and 359-type castings.