Low- and High-Pressure Casting Aluminum Alloys: A Review

Low- pressure casting and high-pressure casting processes are the most common liquid-based technologies used to produce aluminum components. Processing conditions such as cooling rate and pressure level greatly influence the microstructure, mechanical properties, and heat treatment response of the Al alloys produced through these casting techniques. The performance of heat treatment depends on the alloy’s chemical composition and the casting condition such as the vacuum required for high-pressure casting, thus, highlighting the low-pressure casting application that does not require a vacuum. The level of pressure applied to fill the mold cavity can affect the formation of gas porosities and oxide films in the cast. Moreover, mechanical properties are influenced by the microstructure, i.e., secondary dendritic arm spacing, grain size, and the morphology of the secondary phases in the α-matrix. Thus, the current study evaluates the most current research developments performed to reduce these defects and to improve the mechanical performance of the casts produced by low- and high-pressure casting.