Study on microstructural aspect of 6105 and 6463 aluminium based alloys with variation of composition and soaking time

Aluminium-magnesium-silicon 6000 series is a major class of heat treatable alloy used in automotive industries as well as structural (architectural) accomplishments. Under the domain of extrudable alloys, 6105 and 6463 alloys find their widespread applications in automotive connector blocks & trims, seamless tubing, ladder structures, shop fitting and other domestic purposes. Direct chill casting is the most commonly employed casting route for aluminium based alloys. However, this casting technique is prone towards microsegregation of elements in the cast structure. To remove microsegregation, homogenization process is carried out below 0.5Tm of the alloy. 6105 alloy consists of excess Si whereas Fe content in 6463 is lower. This compositional variation, affects the as- cast and homogenized microstructure. The present work involves a thorough investigation of evolution of microstructures with varying soaking time during the homogenization process. It also highlights on the modeling of micro-segregation during solidification. A comparative study between two alloys is carried out while taking hardness and electrical conductivity into consideration.