Effect of runner design on the externally solidified crystals in vacuum die-cast Mg-3.0Nd-0.3Zn-0.6Zr alloy

Abstract

The microstructure and tensile properties of a vacuum-assist high-pressure die casting (HPDC) Mg-3.0Nd-0.3Zn-0.6 Zr alloy and the effect of runner design on the externally solidified crystals (ESCs) were investigated. The microstructure of the alloy mainly comprised ESCs (large primary α-Mg grains) formed in the chamber, small primary α-Mg grains crystalized in the cavity, divorced eutectic Mg12Nd and a small amount of Mg12(NdxZn1-x) or …