Application of X-ray computed tomography to compare gravity casting to counter-gravity low-pressure air-melted process

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the internal structure of alloys similar to AlSi9Mg (EN AC-43300), made with the counter-gravity low-pressure air-melted process (CLA) and with the gravity casting process. The X-ray computed tomography (CT) examination method was combined with structural and mechanical testing for a qualitative evaluation of the castings produced with these processes. The structural discontinuities in CLA and gravity castings were investigated by studying the imaging made with an industrial-grade CT scanner manufactured by Phoenix X-ray. The examples of images are shown on selected cross-sections (2D) and by 3D visualisation. The CT examination proved to be insufficient for a qualitative comparison of castings produced with different techniques; hence a microstructural examination was carried out under an optical microscope and a static tensile test was completed on the samples at ambient temperature.

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