U.S. patent application number 11/727234 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for squeeze cast rear suspension components using adc12-t4 aluminum alloy.
Invention is credited to Joe Bigelow, Zach Brown, Rathindra DasGupta.
Application Number | 20070246132 11/727234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38656000 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070246132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DasGupta; Rathindra ; et
al. |
October 25, 2007 |
Squeeze cast rear suspension components using ADC12-T4 aluminum
alloy
Abstract
An aluminum alloy product is provided that includes an ADC12-T4
aluminum alloy. The ADC12-T4 aluminum alloy is cast into the
product utilizing a high pressure, slow velocity casting technique.
Further, an alloy is provided that in some embodiments produces
cast parts with high strength, wear resistance, hardness and/or
ductility, with little or no soldering.
Inventors: |
DasGupta; Rathindra;
(Arlington, VA) ; Bigelow; Joe; (Vicksburg,
MI) ; Brown; Zach; (Kalamazoo, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP
WASHINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 1100
1050 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-5304
US
|
Family ID: |
38656000 |
Appl. No.: |
11/727234 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60786020 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
148/438 ;
420/534; 420/537 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C22C 21/02 20130101;
B60G 2206/7102 20130101; B60G 2206/8101 20130101; C22C 21/04
20130101; C22F 1/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
148/438 ;
420/534; 420/537 |
International
Class: |
C22C 21/04 20060101
C22C021/04 |
Claims
1. A rear suspension component for an automobile, the rear
suspension component comprising: an ADC12 aluminum alloy, wherein
the ADC12 aluminum alloy is squeeze cast to generate the rear
suspension component, the ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially
of the following constituents by percentage of weight: 9.6 to 12.0
percent silicon; 0.0 to 1.3 percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent
copper; 0.0 to 0.5 percent manganese; 0.0 to 0.3 percent magnesium;
0.0 to 1.0 percent zinc; 0.0 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.0 to 0.3
percent tin; 0.0 to 0.15 percent one or more other elements; and
aluminum as the remainder; and wherein the cast rear suspension
component is T4 tempered.
2. The rear suspension component according to claim 1, wherein the
ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially of the following
constituents by percentage of weight: 0.6 to 10.2 percent silicon;
0.75 to 1.0 percent iron; 0.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.1 to 0.5
percent manganese; 0.1 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.1 to 1.0 percent
zinc; 0.1 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.1 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.05 to
0.15 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder.
3. The rear suspension component according to claim 1, wherein the
ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially of the following
constituents by percentage of weight: 9.6 to 10.2 percent silicon;
0.75 to 1.0 percent iron; 1.5 to 2.5 percent copper; 0 percent
manganese; 0.2 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0 percent zinc; 0 percent
nickel; 0 percent tin; 0 percent one or more other elements; and
aluminum as the remainder.
4. The rear suspension component according to claim 1, wherein the
rear suspension component is a knuckle.
5. The rear suspension component according to claim 1, wherein the
rear suspension component is an upper control arm.
6. The rear suspension component according to claim 1, wherein the
rear suspension component is a lower control arm.
7. An apparatus for casting a rear suspension component for an
automobile, the apparatus comprising: means for heating an ADC12
aluminum alloy to liquefy the ADC12 aluminum alloy; means for
injecting the ADC12 aluminum alloy into a die corresponding to the
rear suspension component; means for solidifying the ADC12 aluminum
alloy to generate the rear suspension component; and means for
tempering the rear suspension component, wherein the ADC12 aluminum
alloy consists essentially of the following constituents by
percentage of weight: 9.6 to 12.0 percent silicon; 0.0 to 1.3
percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.0 to 0.5 percent
manganese; 0.0 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.0 to 1.0 percent zinc;
0.0 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.0 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.0 to 0.15
percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the remainder;
and means for tempering the cast rear suspension component.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ADC12 aluminum
alloy consists essentially of the following constituents by
percentage of weight: 9.6 to 10.2 percent silicon; 0.75 to 1.0
percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.1 to 0.5 percent
manganese; 0.1 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.1 to 1.0 percent zinc;
0.1 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.1 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.05 to 0.15
percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ADC12 aluminum
alloy consists essentially of the following constituents by
percentage of weight: 9.6 to 10.2 percent silicon; 0.75 to 1.0
percent iron; 1.5 to 2.5 percent copper; 0 percent manganese; 0.2
to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0 percent zinc; 0 percent nickel; 0
percent tin; 0 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as
the remainder.
10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for
tempering is a means for T4 tempering.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rear suspension
component is a knuckle.
12. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rear suspension
component is an upper control arm.
13. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rear suspension
component is a lower control arm.
14. A method of casting a rear suspension component for an
automobile, the method comprising: heating an ADC12 aluminum alloy
to liquefy the ADC12 aluminum alloy; injecting the ADC12 aluminum
alloy into a die corresponding to the rear suspension component;
solidifying the ADC12 aluminum alloy to generate the rear
suspension component; and tempering the rear suspension component,
wherein the ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially of the
following constituents by percentage of weight: 9.6 to 12.0 percent
silicon; 0.0 to 1.3 percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.0 to
0.5 percent manganese; 0.0 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.0 to 1.0
percent zinc; 0.0 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.0 to 0.3 percent tin;
0.0 to 0.15 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the ADC12 aluminum
alloy consists essentially of the following constituents by
percentage of weight: 9.6 to 10.2 percent silicon; 0.75 to 1.0
percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.1 to 0.5 percent
manganese; 0.1 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.1 to 1.0 percent zinc;
0.1 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.1 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.05 to 0.15
percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder.
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the ADC12 aluminum
alloy consists essentially of the following constituents by
percentage of weight: 9.6 to 10.2 percent silicon; 0.75 to 1.0
percent iron; 1.5 to 2.5 percent copper; 0 percent manganese; 0.2
to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0 percent zinc; 0 percent nickel; 0
percent tin; 0 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as
the remainder.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the tempering is a T4
temper.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rear suspension
component is a knuckle.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rear suspension
component is an upper control arm.
20. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rear suspension
component is a lower control arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. patent
application entitled, SQUEEZE CAST REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS USING
ADC12-T4 ALUMINUM ALLOY, filed Mar. 27, 2006, having a Ser. No.
60/786,020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to casting processes
and casting alloys. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to an aluminum alloy for use with a high pressure casting
technique.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is conventional in the casting industry to produce
products that require high strength, wear resistance, hardness,
and/or ductility, using aluminum alloys, such as A356, in
conjunction with the gravity permanent mold (GPM) casting process.
The GPM casting technique involves heating a metal and pouring the
molten metal into permanent metal molds while allowing gravity to
fill the mold cavity with the molten metal.
[0004] However, there are specific problems associated with the
A356 aluminum alloy when utilized as a casting metal. For example,
the casting melting temperature of A356 is approximately 1320
degrees Fahrenheit (".degree. F.") or 716 degrees Celsius
(".degree. C."). When castings are produced with the alloys having
a casting metal temperature of 1320.degree. F. (716.degree. C.),
soldering may occur. Soldering refers to the adherence of aluminum
to the cavity of a mold or die, which, after a period of time,
renders the mold or die unusable. This leads to repeated and costly
replacements of the dies.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an alloy that has
beneficial properties but does not cause soldering. It is also
desirable to provide an alloy that allows for the production of
cast parts with high strength, wear resistance, hardness and/or
ductility without having to repeatedly replace the dies that may be
damaged. Furthermore, it is desirable to produce cast parts with
little or no soldering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the
present invention, wherein in one aspect an alloy is provided that
in some embodiments produces cast parts with high strength, wear
resistance, hardness and/or ductility, with little or no
soldering.
[0007] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a rear
suspension component for an automobile. The rear suspension
component includes an ADC12 aluminum alloy. The ADC12 aluminum
alloy is squeeze cast to generate the rear suspension component.
The ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially of the following
constituents by percentage of weight: 9.6 to 12.0 percent silicon;
0.0 to 1.3 percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.0 to 0.5
percent manganese; 0.0 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.0 to 1.0 percent
zinc; 0.0 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.0 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.0 to
0.15 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder. The cast rear suspension component is T4 tempered.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to an
apparatus for casting a rear suspension component for an
automobile. The apparatus includes a means for heating an ADC12
aluminum alloy to liquefy the ADC12 aluminum alloy, means for
injecting the ADC12 aluminum alloy into a die corresponding to the
rear suspension component, means for solidifying the ADC12 aluminum
alloy to generate the rear suspension component, and means for
tempering the rear suspension component. The ADC12 aluminum alloy
consists essentially of the following constituents by percentage of
weight: 9.6 to 12.0 percent silicon; 0.0 to 1.3 percent iron; 1.5
to 3.5 percent copper; 0.0 to 0.5 percent manganese; 0.0 to 0.3
percent magnesium; 0.0 to 1.0 percent zinc; 0.0 to 0.5 percent
nickel; 0.0 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.0 to 0.15 percent one or more
other elements; and aluminum as the remainder. The apparatus
further includes a means for tempering the cast rear suspension
component.
[0009] Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
method of casting a rear suspension component for an automobile. In
this method, an ADC12 aluminum alloy is heated to liquefy the ADC12
aluminum alloy, the ADC12 aluminum alloy is injected into a die
corresponding to the rear suspension component, and the ADC12
aluminum alloy is solidified to generate the rear suspension
component. In addition, the rear suspension component is tempered.
The ADC12 aluminum alloy consists essentially of the following
constituents by percentage of weight: 9.6 to 12.0 percent silicon;
0.0 to 1.3 percent iron; 1.5 to 3.5 percent copper; 0.0 to 0.5
percent manganese; 0.0 to 0.3 percent magnesium; 0.0 to 1.0 percent
zinc; 0.0 to 0.5 percent nickel; 0.0 to 0.3 percent tin; 0.0 to
0.15 percent one or more other elements; and aluminum as the
remainder.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0011] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical microstructure of an ADC12-T4
aluminum alloy.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a typical microstructure of an A356
aluminum alloy according to the prior art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present
invention provides a rear suspension component of an automobile
that is cast from ADC12 aluminum alloy utilizing a high pressure,
slow velocity casting technique such as, for example, squeeze
casting, semi-solid metal (SSM) casting, and the like. This rear
suspension component is further T4 tempered. As used herein, ADC12
aluminum alloy with a T4 temper is referred to as ADC12-T4.
[0016] The mechanical properties of a product are not only
dependent on the casting technique utilized, but are also dependent
on the casting alloy that is utilized. Aluminum alloys are used in
the casting industry because they are adaptable to many of the most
commonly used casting methods, can readily be cast in metal molds
or dies and have a high resistance to corrosion.
[0017] As a casting material, aluminum alloys also provide good
fluidity, i.e., most aluminum alloys flow with ease. This is
particularly important because if the metal, when in its molten
state, does not flow at a rate that is sufficient to fill the die
cavity or mold before the molten metal solidifies, then the metal
may have difficulty filling, for example, thin sections of a mold
or die.
[0018] Additionally, aluminum alloys have relatively low melting
points. Accordingly, the heat required to melt aluminum alloys is
less than the heat required for some metals and thus, the cost of
producing aluminum alloy castings is less. Further, there is less
heat to transfer from the molten aluminum alloy to the mold. As a
result, the cycle time required for casting an aluminum alloy
product is reduced. In addition, the lifetime of the mold is
increased by utilizing aluminum alloys because the molds are
subjected to less stress from heat.
[0019] Rear suspension components for automotive vehicles are
required to have high mechanical properties in the areas of
strength, wear resistance and hardness. Further, they are also are
required to be ductile, i.e., have the ability to undergo permanent
deformation prior to failure.
[0020] Rear suspension components produced utilizing GPM and the
A356 aluminum alloy are typically heat treated to ensure that the
products satisfy the minimum property requirements for the
respective product. Commonly, rear suspension components are heat
treated according to a T6 temper. A typical T6 temper consists of
solution treating the casting at 1,000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.)
plus or minus 10.degree. F. (5.6.degree. C.) for ten hours, water
quenching the casting, and artificially aging the casting at
340.degree. F. (171.degree. C.) plus or minus 10.degree. F.
(5.6.degree. C.) for four to five hours. In contrast, a T4 temper
includes heating to about 930.degree. F. (499.degree. C.), soaking
for about seven hours and then water quenching at temperatures
between 110.degree. F. (43.degree. C.) and 160.degree. F.
(71.degree. C.).
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical microstructure of an ADC12-T4
aluminum alloy. As shown in FIG. 1, the microstructure includes
areas of primary silicon 10 that typically appear as relatively
large dark spots. In addition, the microstructure includes areas of
eutectic silicon 12 that typically appear as relatively smaller
dark spots. The microstructure further includes areas of aluminum
matrix 14 that typically appear as relatively light areas.
Moreover, the microstructure may include relatively iron-rich areas
16 that are commonly referred to as "Chinese script."
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a typical microstructure of an A356
aluminum alloy according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 2, the
microstructure of A356 aluminum alloy may include the areas of
eutectic silicon 12 and areas of the aluminum matrix 14.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, an aluminum alloy,
ADC12-T4, is utilized with a high pressure, slow velocity casting
technique to produce casting products for rear suspension
components. Such components include knuckles and upper and lower
control arms, among others.
[0024] High pressure, slow velocity casting techniques, such as
squeeze casting, SSM casting and the like, involve injecting molten
metal into a mold via a hydraulically powered piston, at a slow
rate into the mold/die cavity, and applying and maintaining a high
pressure until after the metal has solidified in the mold/die
cavity. When the applied high pressure thrusts the molten metal to
the walls of the mold/die cavity, the air gap between the molten
metal and the walls of the mold/die cavity is quickly
minimized.
[0025] Therefore, there is a rapid transfer of heat between the
metal and the mold/die cavity. Consequently, because of the use of
the rapid heat transfer process involved in high pressure casting,
the metal cools to a solid state quickly. As a result of the rapid
solidification, the grain structure of the casting is small, i.e.,
refined.
[0026] In GPM, the molten metal is poured into the mold without any
external mechanical forces. In contrast, in conventional die
casting, which includes high pressure and high velocity casting,
the metal is injected into a die. Typically, products manufactured
by the GPM casting technique tend to be higher in strength and are
less porous than products produced by conventional die casting.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, rear suspension
components are squeeze cast, SSM cast or otherwise utilized with a
high pressure, slow velocity casting technique to cast with the
ADC12-T4 alloy. Rear suspension components cast in this manner
exhibit mechanical properties that are higher than the. mechanical
properties of products manufactured according to GPM casting
techniques utilizing the A356 aluminum alloy. ADC12-T4 includes the
below-listed elements, by percentage of weight, as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Percentage of Element Weight Preferred Range
Preferred Range Silicon 9.6-12.0 9.6-10.2 9.6-10.2 Iron 0-1.3
0.75-1.0 0.75-1.0 Copper 1.5-3.5 1.5-2.5 1.5-2.5 Manganese 0-0.5
0.1-0.5 0 Magnesium 0-0.3 0.1-0.3 0.2-0.3 Zinc 0-1.0 0.1-1.0 0
Nickel 0-0.5 0.1-0.5 0 Tin 0-0.3 0.1-0.3 0 Other 0-0.15 0.05-0.15 0
Aluminum Remainder Remainder Remainder
[0028] As shown from the chart immediately above, the ADC12-T4
aluminum alloy does not require strontium. Strontium is utilized in
an aluminum alloy as a modifying agent to, for example, improve the
ductility of the aluminum alloy. Strontium is often utilized along
with casting processes that involve slower solidification rates,
such as GPM and sand casting.
[0029] The ADC12-T4 alloy, when utilized with a high pressure, slow
velocity casting technique, has a higher solidification rate
because of the rapid heat transfer rates that are characteristic of
high pressure casting techniques. Thus, because the products derive
high ductility from being manufactured according to a high
pressure, slow velocity casting technique, strontium is not
required with the use of the ADC12-T4 alloy.
[0030] As a result, the aluminum content is increased in ADC12-T4
alloy products. The cost of the aluminum is cheaper than the cost
of strontium. Accordingly, the cost of ADC12-T4 alloy products is
cheaper than products made with added strontium. However,
beneficial properties are still retained.
[0031] The ADC12-T4 alloy has a silicon content of 9.6 to 12.0
percent of its weight and is higher than the silicon content of the
A356 aluminum alloy, which is 6.5 to 7.5 percent of its weight.
A356 includes the following components: TABLE-US-00002 Percentage
of Element Weight Silicon 6.5-7.5 Iron 0-0.12 Copper 0-0.10
Manganese 0-.05 Magnesium 0.3-0.45 Zinc 0-0.05 Nickel 0-0.5 Tin
0-0.2 Other 0-0.15 Aluminum Remainder
[0032] The higher silicon content of the ADC12-T4 alloy leads to
the ADC12-T4 alloy having a metal casting temperature of
1250.degree. F. (677.degree. C.), which is lower than the metal
casting temperature of approximately 1320.degree. F. (715.degree.
C.) for the A356 aluminum alloy. Accordingly, less energy is
required to melt the ADC12-T4 alloy than is required to melt the
A356 aluminum alloy. Thus, the cost associated with manufacturing
ADC12-T4 products is less than the cost associated with
manufacturing the A356 product.
[0033] Additionally, the lower metal casting temperature of the
ADC12-T4 alloy leads to approximately 35% less dross formation than
that produced by the A356 aluminum alloy. Dross refers to the metal
oxide that is formed when the molten metal reacts with air. Dross
formation typically occurs before the molten metal is transferred
to the mold/die cavity. If the dross enters the mold/die cavity and
becomes a part of the casting, it can lead to a defective casting
because the casting will not consist purely of the intended
alloy.
[0034] Additionally, the lower metal casting temperature of the
ADC12-T4 alloy leads to less occurrences of soldering,
approximately 15% less, than that produced by the A356 aluminum
alloy. Accordingly, utilizing the ADC12-T4 alloy over the A356
alloy reduces soldering and prolongs the life of the mold/die
cavity.
[0035] Further, the ADC12-T4 alloy has a higher tensile strength
than the A356 aluminum alloys. The tensile strength corresponds to
the maximum load bearing ability of the metal before the metal
breaks down. Thus, the ADC12-T4 alloy has a higher resistance to
applied forces. The higher strength of the ADC12-T4 alloy is
attributed, at least in part, to the refined microstructure, i.e.,
the smaller grain size of the casting that is developed from use of
a high pressure, slow velocity casting technique. Accordingly, the
ADC12-T4 alloy is stronger than the A356 aluminum alloy and
therefore, is more suitable for products requiring high strength,
for example, components of rear suspension systems, such as
knuckles and upper and lower control arms.
[0036] When the T4 temper was applied to the ADC12-T4 alloy, the
ADC12-T4 alloy outperformed the A356 alloy in wear resistance. The
higher wear resistance, i.e., lower volume loss of material, is
attributed, at least in part, to the refined microstructure, i.e.,
the smaller grain size of the casting that is developed from use of
high pressure, slow velocity casting technique.
[0037] Products, for example, knuckles and upper and lower control
arms have been anodized to increase the wear resistance of those
products. By utilizing the ADC12-T4 alloy in conjunction with a
high pressure casting technique, the amount of anodizing is reduced
or eliminated, leading to yet more efficiency.
[0038] In addition, ADC12-T4 has a maximum iron content of 1.3
percent of its weight that is higher than the iron content of the
A356 alloy. When the iron content of an ADC12-T4 casting is greater
than the maximum iron content of the A356 alloy, the ADC12-T4
product is easier to machine than an A356 product.
[0039] The high iron content of the ADC12-T4 alloy product also
facilitates chip formation, i.e., the generation of shavings, as
the product is machined. Accordingly, less force or pressure has to
be applied to the machine tool when feeding/thrusting the
machine/cutting tool onto the ADC12-T4 alloy product to make the
initial cut into the ADC12-T4 product, and also when cutting the
ADC12-T4 alloy product, than when performing the same actions on an
A356 alloy product. Accordingly, the machine/cutting tool is
subjected to less stress and the lifetime of the machine/cutting
tool is prolonged with the ADC12-T4 alloy. Moreover, the higher
iron content of the ADC12-T4 also leads to less soldering, thereby
lengthening the life of the dies.
[0040] Further, the cost of ADC12-T4 alloy stock/ingots is less
expensive than the cost of the A356 stock or ingot. Accordingly,
when the ADC12-T4 alloy is utilized in conjunction with a high
pressure casting technique to manufacture products, for example,
rear suspension components, the products have high mechanical
properties and are less expensive to produce.
[0041] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
[0042] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0043] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *