Kiyoaki Akechi

Process and properties of PM AL-Si-X alloys

The automotive, home appliance, and other civil industries need alloys which could replace cast iron and steel products. The alloys’ qualities should include high strength, wear resistance, high modulus of elasticity, low thermal expansion, good machinability, and good deformability. Rapidly solidified powder metallurgy (PM) Al-Si-X alloys provide such properties. The effects of rapid solidification make it possible to refine crystals, eliminate large intermetallic compound formation, and extend the solid solubility. However, these features are not thermally stable, and, therefore, the consolidation process condition is carefully optimized. This paper describes the process and properties of rapidly solidified PM Al-Si-X alloys.

Rotary car air conditioner made with PM AlSi wrought alloys

Abstract Sumitomo Electric Industries has developed PM AlSi wrought alloys with high strength and high wear resistance for use in the rotors and vanes of rotary car air conditioners. In addition, combined with the development of near-net-shape extrusion technologies, through a joint project with Diesel Kiki Co Ltd, it has succeeded in the worlds first mass production of rotors made of PM aluminium wrought alloy. In this paper, the properties and production technology of vanes and rotors made with PM AlSi wrought alloys are presented.

Mechanical Properties of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys

Abstract Aluminium is often selected for use in applicationssuch as aerospace where lightweight is important. However properties, like strength at room and elevated temperatures are inferior to those of steel. The possibility of improving the mechanical properties of aluminium by rapid solidification processing has been investigated. In this paper, the properties of two kinds of powder made by rotating disk atomization and conventional air atomization and alloys made from these powders were evaluated and compared. The causes of the differences in the two kinds of materials were then investigated.