Tensile and Hardness Properties of Cast 6063 Aluminium Rods produced from Sand and Squeeze Casting Moulds

This work presents experimental analysis to determine the effect of sand and squeeze casting methods on the Tensile and Hardness properties of AA6063 Aluminium. Sand and squeeze cast moulds were fabricated and used to produce Aluminium rods. The test samples from cast rods were subjected to Tensile and Hardness tests. The results obtained showed better Tensile and Hardness properties, in the squeeze cast samples that were produced under varied pressure. The hardness of squeeze casting varied from 72.9 to 82.3Hv, while that of sand casting had 70.0Hv. Also, Ultimate Tensile Strength increased with increased pressure in squeeze castings from 178.01 to 194.04MPa and 161.97 in sand castings. Conversely, the mechanical properties of the cast products improved from those of sand casting to squeeze casting. Therefore, squeeze cast products could be used in as-cast condition in engineering applications requiring high quality parts while sand casting may be used in as-cast condition for non- engineering applications or engineering applications requiring less quality parts.