A357 aircraft aluminium: a milestone in materials engineering

• January 9, 2024

In the highly competitive field of special performance metal casting, the aluminum alloy AlSi7Mg0.6 has gained a prominent position due to its outstanding properties and versatility. Parts made from this alloy are optimal for use in areas such as aerospace engineering, the automotive industry and the food industry.

We will explore in detail the distinguishing characteristics, processing difficulties, as well as the most common uses and applications of this alloy, shedding light on the importance of this material in various industries.

AlSi7Mg0.6, LIGHTWEIGHT AND STRONG FOR DEMANDING APPLICATIONS

The designation AlSi7Mg0.6 indicates the chemical composition of the alloy. In simple terms, it is composed mainly of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg), with traces of other elements. These components confer exceptional properties to the alloy:

• Lightness and Strength: The predominant presence of aluminum ensures that the alloy is lightweight, a crucial property in applications where weight reduction is essential. The addition of silicon and magnesium also provides significant strength, making this alloy ideal for structural applications.
• Good Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum has inherent corrosion resistance, and the combination with silicon and magnesium further enhances this property. his makes the AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy a valuable choice in environments that expose the material to corrosive conditions, such as marine applications.
• Excellent Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: The alloy exhibits outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity, making it valuable in applications where efficient heat or electrical transfer is required, such as in power electronics components..

A357 ALUMINIUM INVESTMENT CASTING, A DIFFICULT ALUMINUM TO WORK WITH

Despite its many advantages, the AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy presents specific challenges during processing. When casting this alloy, it is essential to address these difficulties to ensure the quality and integrity of the final product:

• Solidification Sensitivity: During the solidification process, the alloy can experience shrinkage and porosity, which affects structural quality. Design strategies and solidification control are crucial to minimize these problems.
• Cracking Tendency: The alloy can be prone to cracking, especially during the cooling phase. Precise control of casting and heat treatment parameters is essential to prevent this phenomenon.
• Need for Specialized Equipment: Due to the specific nature of the AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy, specialized casting and processing equipment is required to ensure reproducibility and consistency in production.

VERSATILE MATERIAL, FOUND IN MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

The versatility of AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy makes it a preferred choice in a variety of industrial applications.

• Automotive industry: Its unique combination of lightness and strength makes it ideal for structural components in the automotive industry, such as engine blocks, cylinder heads and transmission components.
• Aerospace Industry: In aerospace applications, where weight reduction is critical, AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy is used in the manufacture of structural components and engine parts.
• Electronics and Technology: Due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, the alloy is used in the production of heat sinks, electronic device housings and cooling system components.
• Marine Industry: Its corrosion resistance makes it valuable in the manufacture of marine components, such as ship hulls, fittings and underwater components.

In short, the aluminum alloy AlSi7Mg0.6 represents a milestone in materials engineering. Its unique characteristics, combined with specific processing challenges, position it as an essential material in a wide range of industrial applications.

Continuous research work and the development of suitable casting and further processing techniques – such as T6 heat treatment – are crucial to exploit the full potential of the properties of components made from this alloy to meet specific requirements in various industries.

At EIPC Group we are specialists in the manufacture of high performance aluminium investment castings, and the quality and maximum reliability of our products obliges us to constantly update our quality systems with constant training and motivation of the organisation’s human team to maintain a demanding commitment to solid performance.