Reference dies for the evaluation of tensile properties of gravity cast Al-Si alloys: an overview

Aluminium-Silicon (Al-Si) alloys are the most extensively used Al foundry alloys and are widely used in gravity die-casting (GDC) of automotive components. Reference dies are used to characterize the tensile properties of the castings. Among the various die configurations, the ASTM B-108 (also called the Stahl Mold), and the AA Step Mold are most popular in the foundries. Several modifications to the standard dies have been suggested in the scientific literature to obtain better mechanical properties in minimizing casting defects. This work reviews the scientific literature on the effect of different reference dies on the porosity and tensile properties of the Al alloy castings.