Semi-continuous caster for plate

Purpose: Development of a semi-continuous caster that can cast a single plate and a clad plate of Al-40%Sn-1%Cu alloy used for sliding bearings. Design/methodology/approach: A semi-continuous caster to cast a single plate and a clad plate directly from molten metal was designed and assembled. The cast single plate has a thickness ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a length of 500 mm to 1,000 mm. The cast clad plate has a thickness ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm, a width of 50 mm, and a length of 300 mm. Findings: The semi-continuous caster successfully produced both a single plate and a clad plate of Al-40%Sn-1%Cu alloy. Influence of casting conditions on the properties of the plate, including the thickness, porosity, and surface quality were investigated in the single plate casting. The mixing and diffusion of the alloy elements at the interface was also investigated in the clad plate casting. Research limitations/implications: The cast Al-40%Sn-1%Cu alloy plate has not yet been tested as a sliding bearing material, so the efficacy of the material still requires investigation. Practical implications: The semi-continuous caster described in this paper enables the “small lot” production made from single and clad plates of aluminium alloy. Originality/value: Development of a semi-continuous caster that can cast both single and clad plates of aluminium alloy. Investigation of the relationship between the casting conditions and plate quality.

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Opracowanie ze środków MNiSW w ramach umowy 812/P-DUN/2016 na działalność upowszechniającą naukę (zadania 2017).