Squeeze Casting Mg with Preforms

Safety

Squeeze casting is performed by Loukas, but if present during the the process, involves the same risks as in a foundry except the molten metal is being squeezed at high temperatures. When entering the the pouring room at Loukas, safety glasses, steel toed shoes and foundry jackets, "greens" should be worn while in the room. During pouring additional PPE such as full body Kevlar "silvers", Kevlar gloves, and protective mask should be worn.

Procedure

1. A 6" ID pipe was used to create the billets for the MMC-group samples. Which consisted of two "preforms" ~2cm in diameter, 1 cm thick each.
2. The billet is placed onto the squeeze casting machine, and the inside is layered with a proprietary coating to help release the billet from the pipe.
3. The two samples are placed in the press, the tray holding the samples was removed before metal was removed for the actual run
   

   Squeeze Casting Press with Preforms.
4. The plunger is pre-heated to 600°F
5. The Mg+2wt% Zn Alloy is heated to 1350°F in a furnace next to the squeeze casting machine.
6. A cover gas of CO2 and R134yf is used to prevent oxidation of the magnesium while in the molten state.
7. The Mg alloy is poured from a ladle immedeitly into the machine and squeeze casting is performed with a pressure of 2000 psi.
8. The billet is then allowed to air cool