Impact of Post Processing Methods on the Mechanical Properties of Squeeze Casted A356 Alloy

This research is contracted to study the impact of post processing routes like heat treatment and heat treated cum shot peening approach on the mechanical characteristics of A356 alloy. A356 alloy composed of aluminium, silicon, magnesium, iron and copper act as a most promising aluminium alloy due to its phenomenal cast ability, corrosion resistant and great strength to weight proportion. A356 is a common industrial alloy due to its great mechanical properties, reduced weight and capability to be casted into complex designs. However, in order to display good static mechanical properties, it must be heat treated. The prime objective of this research work is to compare the mechanical attributes of squeeze casted pure A356 alloy with the samples processed through T6 heat treatment and heat treatment cum shot peening approach. Mechanical responses like hardness, tensile strength and impact strength were measured for the fabricated post processed samples. There is a noteworthy improvement in the mechanical properties of heat treated and heat treated cum shot peened A356 alloy samples than that of the as-casted A356 alloy samples. This increase in the properties is attributed towards the pore free structure due to heat treatment process and removal of residual stresses due to heat treated cum shot peening process. Hardness and tensile strength of the heat treated and heat treated cum shot peened samples were significantly increased due to post handling conditions. These improved properties of A356 alloy under post processing conditions make the alloys an ideal substance for the automobile and aerospace industries.