Melt Cleanliness Comparison of Chlorine Fluxing and Ar Degassing of Secondary Al-4Cu

The treatment of liquid aluminum prior to casting typically consists of purging gas and/or fluxes through the melt. By the use of several chemicals during these operations, several environmental problems can occur. Therefore, in this study, the melt cleanliness of Al-4Cu secondary alloy was investigated by comparing the use of argon degassing with or without chlorine fluxing. Reduced pressure test was used to assess the melt quality. Highest quality melt was obtained by Ar degassing with preheated graphite lance without the need to use any chemicals. © 2016, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International.