Microstructure evolution of rheo-cast A356 aluminium alloy in consideration of different cooling conditions by means of the cooling channel process

A combined experimental and numerical study on the cooling channel process for the production of A356 aluminium alloy semi-solid slugs is presented. After evaluating the globular microstructure, microstructure simulations employing the phase-field method were used to explore the potential of shortening the process time by increasing the cooling rate. Based on these results the experimental setup was modified and material with globular microstructure was produced at significantly reduced processing time.