Alloy Selection Considerations for Wheel Hub Gravity Casting Mold

The selection of alloys has a crucial impact on the performance of wheel hub gravity casting molds and the quality of the final castings.
Mechanical properties
Strength and toughness: The mold alloy must have sufficient strength and toughness to withstand the high temperature, high pressure and mechanical stress generated during the casting process. Commonly used casting alloys such as aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and steels should have excellent mechanical properties to ensure the stability and durability of the mold under high load conditions.
Hardness: The hardness of the alloy directly affects the wear resistance and service life of the mold. Alloys with high hardness can effectively resist wear and impact during the casting process. When selecting alloys, their heat treatment properties should be considered to improve the hardness through appropriate heat treatment processes.
Casting properties
Fluidity: The fluidity of the alloy affects the filling capacity and casting quality of the casting. Good fluidity can ensure that the molten metal is evenly distributed in the mold and reduce casting defects. For example, A356 aluminum alloy has good fluidity and is suitable for complex-shaped wheel casting.
Shrinkage: The alloy shrinks during solidification, and the shrinkage of the alloy affects the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the casting. Selecting alloys with appropriate shrinkage can help reduce casting defects and ensure that the dimensions of the final product meet the design requirements.
Heat treatment capability
Heat treatment response: Different alloys respond differently to heat treatment, and their heat treatment capability should be considered when selecting alloys. Heat treatment can significantly improve the strength, hardness and wear resistance of alloys. For example, A356 aluminum alloy can achieve excellent mechanical properties through T6 heat treatment.
Stability: The stability of the alloy at high temperature is also an important consideration. The alloy should be able to maintain stable physical and chemical properties under high temperature conditions during the casting process to ensure mold reliability and casting consistency.