Application of squeeze casting Technology in Automobile Industry [Automotive Materials Summit]

"Click to view details

At the 2021 China Industry Expo New Materials Forum and China Automotive New Materials Application Summit Forum held by SMM, Luo Jixiang, professor of Wuhan University of Technology and senior consultant of Shandong Honghe lightweight Technology Co., Ltd., explained the application of squeeze casting technology in automobile industry. He mainly introduced in detail the technological process and characteristics of squeeze casting, the microstructure characteristics of squeeze casting parts and the application of squeeze casting technology in automobile industry.

Technological process and characteristics of squeeze casting

Squeeze casting (squeeze casting) is an advanced technology combining casting and forging. Liquid metal is formed, solidified or accompanied by micro plastic deformation under high pressure, which can eliminate the defects such as shrinkage and porosity in the casting, and the microstructure of the casting is fine. the mechanical properties can be greatly improved by heat treatment. it is a kind of light metal precision forming process with good application prospect. In the application of new energy automobile parts, the development space is broad, and the market prospect is bright.

Microstructure characteristics of Extrusion Castings

Crystallization under high pressure-excellent mechanical properties

(a) eliminates the defects such as porosity, shrinkage and porosity in the casting, resulting in local plastic deformation, which makes the microstructure of the casting compact.

(b) can obviously refine grains, accelerate solidification rate and homogenize microstructure.

The mechanical properties of (c) extruded castings are higher than those of other common castings, but close to or even reach the level of forgings of the same alloy.

Squeeze casting is an important process to provide castings with high mechanical properties, weldability and high air tightness.

Squeeze casting (squeeze casting) technology is in line with the lightweight development trend of "aluminum instead of steel, casting instead of forging" automobile with its high performance-to-price ratio (mechanical properties / price), and is one of the development directions of lightweight.

Application of squeeze casting Technology in Automobile Manufacturing Industry

Squeeze casting technology has been widely used in automotive, motorcycle, high-speed rail, communications, hardware tools, aviation, military and other industries.

The aluminum alloy steering knuckle developed by squeeze casting process instead of nodular cast iron steering knuckle reduces the overall weight of the automobile, uses more advanced materials, and has obvious technical advantages. Through the bench test, the performance index of the product fully meets the technical requirements, and is displayed on a certain type of car, which is well received by users.