The Properties and Microstructure of Na2CO3 and Al-10Sr Alloy Hybrid Modified LM6 Using Ladle Metallurgy Method

In this work, Al-10Sr alloy and Na2CO3 were added to LM6 (reference alloy) as hybrid modifiers through ladle metallurgy. The microstructure enhancement was analyzed using an optical microscope (OM). The results were further confirmed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results showed that Na2CO3 and Al-10Sr alloy successfully hybrid modified the sharp needle-like eutectic Si into fibrous eutectic Si. Soft primary Al dendrites were also discovered after the hybrid modification. The formation of β-Fe flakes was suppressed, and α-Fe sludge was transformed into Chinese script morphology. A 2.13% density reduction was recorded. A hardness test was also performed to investigate the mechanical improvement of the hybrid-modified LM6. 2.3% of hardness reduction was recorded in the hybrid-modified LM6 through ladle metallurgy. Brittle cracks were not observed, while ductile pile-ups were the main features that appeared on the indentations of hybrid-modified LM6, indicating a brittle to ductile transformation after hybrid modification of LM6 by Na2CO3 and Al-10Sr alloy through ladle metallurgy.

Parametric and heat affected zone study on CO2 laser cutting of acrylic

Laser cutting is a non-contact machining employed for producing small, intricate shapes. The acrylic materials are widely used in many applications. The parametric and heat affected zone study of acrylic materials by using CO₂ laser machining is attempted in this research to evaluate the process variables, laser scanning speed, current, and nozzle-work material gap.•Research result indicate that the higher the current and the higher the cutting speed, result in higher the material removal rate•Other parameter such as current and nozzle, work material gap are also significant impact on the cutting process of the acrylic material.•In addition, heat affect zone increase with laser scanning speed.