Aluminum alloy and die casting method

Abstract

An aluminum alloy used for a die casting process and a method for casting the aluminum alloy are provided. The aluminum alloy exhibits excellent internal quality, high elongation, and high strength. The aluminum alloy includes 6.0 to 9.0 mass % of Si, 0.4 to 0.8 mass % of Mg, 0.25 to 1.0 mass % of Cu, 0.08 to 0.25 mass % of Fe, 0.6 mass % or less of Mn, 0.2 mass % or less of Ti, and 0.01 mass % or less of one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Sb, Ca, and Na, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aluminum alloy comprising 6.0 to 9.0 mass % of Si, 0.4 to 0.8 mass % of Mg, 0.25 to 1.0 mass % of Cu, 0.08 to 0.25 mass % of Fe, 0.6 mass % or less of Mn, 0.2 mass % or less of Ti, and 0.01 mass % or less of one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Sb, Ca, and Na, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities. 
     
     
         2 . A method for casting an aluminum alloy comprising:
 pouring a molten metal of an Al—Si—Cu—Mg-based aluminum alloy into a shot sleeve of a die casting machine; and   filling a mold cavity of a center-gate die with the molten metal at a gate speed of 1 m/sec or less so as to produce a laminar flow.   
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein a powdery release agent is applied inside the mold cavity. 
     
     
         4 . A method for casting an aluminum alloy comprising:
 pouring a molten metal of an Al—Si—Cu—Mg-based aluminum alloy into a shot sleeve of a die casting machine; and   filling a mold cavity of a center-gate die with the molten metal at a gate speed of 1 m/sec or less so as to produce a laminar flow, wherein the Al—Si—Cu—Mg-based aluminum alloy includes 6.0 to 9.0 mass % of Si, 0.4 to 0.8 mass % of Mg, 0.25 to 1.0 mass % of Cu, 0.08 to 0.25 mass % of Fe, 0.6 mass % or less of Mn, 0.2 mass % or less of Ti, and 0.01 mass % or less of one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Sb, Ca, and Na, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities.   
     
     
         5 . The method as defined in  claim 4 , wherein a powdery release agent is applied inside the mold cavity.