Preparation of semisolid feedstock by reversed cone channel pouring

Semisolid A356 alloy feedstock was generated by reversed cone channel pouring. The influence of pouring temperatures and the reversed cone angle on the semisolid microstructure were investigated, and the microstructure of the slurry after soaking was also studied. The results indicate that the suitable pouring temperature for obtaining semisolid feedstock is not above 660 degrees C and the semisolid microstructure can be improved by increasing the reversed cone angle, but proper reversed cone angle should be considered for avoiding solid shell in the condition of big reversed cone angle.