An aluminum silicon die cast alloy having a very low iron content and
relatively high strontium content that prevents soldering to dies into
die casting process. The alloys of the present invention also have a
modified eutectic silicon and modified iron morphology, when iron is
present, resulting in low microporosity and high impact properties. The
alloy comprises 6-22% by weight silicon, 0.05 to 0.20% by weight
strontium and the balance aluminum. Preferably, the alloy of the present
invention contains in weight percent: 6-20% silicon, 0.05-0.10%
strontium, 0.40% maximum iron and most preferably 0.20% maximum iron,
4.5% maximum copper, 0.50% maximum manganese, 0.60% maximum magnesium,
3.0% maximum zinc, balance aluminum. On cooling from the solution
temperature, the strontium serves to modify the eutectic silicon
structure as well as create an iron phase morphology change if iron is
present, facilitating feeding through the aluminum interdendritic matrix.
This, in turn, creates a finished die cast product with extremely low
levels of microporosity defects. The strontium content also appears to
create a non-wetting monolayer of strontium atoms on the surface of a
molten casting, preventing die soldering, even at very low iron contents.
The alloy may be used to cast any type of object and is particularly
suited for casting outboard marine propellers, driveshaft housings, gear
case housings, Gimbel rings and engine blocks.