The Influence of the Casting Speed in Horizontal Continuous Casting of Aluminium Alloy EN AW 6082

Abstract

Vertical direct chill (VDC) casting is commonly used to produce slabs and billets from wrought aluminium alloys. The fact that the VDC is not a continuous process and moulds must be prepared for the next batch decreases the productivity of the process. Alternatively, horizontal direct chill (HDC) casting simplifies the process and allows a continuous production. The casting speed in the HDC casting is easier to control and can be optimized for different alloys by changing the speed. This study focuses on investigating the effects of casting speed on the macrostructure of 6082 aluminium billets with 60 mm diameter. A demo-scale casting unit was used and the casting speed was changed from 310 to 385 mm/min. Changes in surface condition, macrocracks, microporosity, and diameter of the billets were investigated. Surface quality of the billets became better with the increasing casting speed, while diameter of the billet expands. Furthermore, centreline cracks appear at the casting speed of 355 mm/min.