Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Analysis of Distribution of Nonmetallic Inclusions in Aluminum DC-Cast Billets and Slabs

  • Published:
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B Aims and scope Submit manuscript

    We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

    Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

Inclusion distribution was studied in commercial aluminum DC-cast billets and slabs using a newly developed deep-etching method. Analyses revealed a nonuniform distribution of nonmetallic inclusions across billet diameters and lengths, and also across slab thicknesses and widths. In as-cast billets, more inclusions were found at the beginning and end of the billet length; more were present near the cross-section center than near the surface. In slabs, inclusions were located mostly within 13 mm of the surface and in a band between the centerline and the surface. Few inclusions were found 60 to 100 mm from the slab surface or at the centerline. In addition, comparing slab quality after casting using three types of ceramic foam filters (CFFs; i.e., 30 ppi, 50 ppi, and 50 ppi + HF) revealed significant differences in inclusion size, number, and distribution. Casting slabs using a finer pore-size filter (50 ppi) reduced the number of non-metallic inclusions greatly. The inclusion distribution patterns observed in the solidified slabs are discussed in terms of melt flow during casting.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. S. Poynton, M. Brandt, and J. Grandfield: J. Light Met., 2009, pp. 681–88.

  2. M. Jaradeh and T. Carlberg: J. Light Met., 2007, vol. 3, pp. 679–84.

    Google Scholar 

  3. M. Jaradeh and T. Carlberg: Metall. Mater. Trans. B, 2011, vol. 42B, pp. 121–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. L.S. Aubrey, M.A. Cummings, and C.L. Oliver: J. Light Met., 1996, pp. 845–55.

  5. R. Tilak: Improved Extrudability of Aluminum Alloys with LARS Refinement, Metalworld, http://www.metalworld.co.in/cover12.pdf, 2005.

  6. Improving Performance: Billet Casting, Pyrotek Supplement, http://www.pyrotek.info/documents/brochure/873_billet_casting_insert_web.pdf.

  7. Improving Performance: Slab Casting, Pyrotek Supplement, http://www.pyrotek.info/documents/brochure/849%20Slab%20Casting%20Insert_Web.pdf.

  8. M. Tsunekawa, S. Tani, H. Okazaki, and N. Hayashi: Light Metal Technical Reports, 2001, pp. 831–37.

  9. Q. Du, D.G. Eskin, and L. Katgerman: Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 2005, vols. 413–414, pp. 144-50.

    Google Scholar 

  10. S.P. Tremblay and R. Green: Continuous Casting, K. Ehrke and W. Schneider, eds., Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany, 2006.

Download references

Acknowledgments

The Swedish KK-foundation and the European Regional Development Fund financially supported this research. The authors are grateful to Kubikenborg Aluminum AB for providing the sample materials and for stimulating discussions.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Majed M. Jaradeh (Doctor, the Metallurgical Research Engineer)

    Present address: SinterCast AB, Technical Center, 64130, Katrineholm, Sweden

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics, Mid Sweden University, FSCN, SE, 85170, Sundsvall, Sweden

    Majed M. Jaradeh (Doctor, the Metallurgical Research Engineer) & Torbjorn Carlberg (Professor)

Authors
  1. Majed M. Jaradeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Torbjorn Carlberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Torbjorn Carlberg.

Additional information

Manuscript submitted November 8, 2010.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jaradeh, M.M., Carlberg, T. Analysis of Distribution of Nonmetallic Inclusions in Aluminum DC-Cast Billets and Slabs. Metall Mater Trans B 43, 82–91 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-011-9562-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-011-9562-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation