Bonding of Aluminum Alloys in Compound Casting

The influence of the coating materials, coating thickness, and casting process on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the overcast A6061 bars with aluminum A356 and A6061 alloys was studied by OM, SEM/EDS, and mechanical testing. Results indicate that Ni coating has better thermal stability than Cu coating that heavily reacts with liquid Al alloy and forms a reaction zone around 130–150 μm during gravity casting. In the gravity casting, coarse and cracked Al₃Ni phase distributes along the interfacial region and degrades the mechanical properties of the overcast joints. In squeeze casting, however, fine and dispersed Ni-rich strengthening phases form uniformly in the interfacial zone and improve the metallurgical bonding of the joints. The heat transition and application of pressure during solidification are two key factors in determining the integrity and mechanical properties of the overcast joints.