Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 6082 Aluminum Alloy Automotive Flange Parts Produced by Squeeze Casting

In this research, squeeze casting was applied to produce 6082 aluminum alloy automotive flanges, and microstructure and mechanical properties of the flanges formed by squeeze casting under different process parameters were investigated. The results show that the squeeze casting automotive flange parts exhibit high macroscopic quality and good mold-filling shape. Furthermore, the microstructures of the flange are mainly composed of rose-like α-Al matrix phase and other small intergranular phases, and the small intergranular phases contain eutectic Si phase, Al(FeMn)Si phase, Al₂Cu phase, and Mg₂Si phase, distributing in continuous network shapes. The orthogonal analysis results of squeeze casting for automotive flange components show that the optimal parameters involve pouring temperature of 740 °C, mold temperature of 220 °C, and holding time of 35 s. The average yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation (EL) of the automotive flange parts under the optimal parameters are 85.24 ± 3.13, 172.4 ± 7.6 MPa, and 12.48 ± 3.51%, respectively. In addition, the tensile fracture belongs to the mixed fracture and is mainly characterized by ductile fracture. Excellent mechanical properties of 6082 aluminum alloy automotive flange parts produced by squeeze casting provide a superior initial preparation for subsequent heat treatment strengthening process.