On assessment of processing variables on copper–tin functionally graded alloys produced by incremental melting and solidification process

Abstract

The present work is concerned with the ability of the incremental melting and solidification process to be used in a controlled way to produce functionally graded materials in industrial environments. For this purpose, the influence of the main process parameters, namely relative mould/coil rate and melt temperature, is evaluated in relation to the obtained final component chemical composition gradient. Several graded components of Cu–Sn alloys were produced. The effect of the process parameters on the final component gradient was quantified. It was verified that both the melt temperature and the relative mould/coil rate play a similar role in final component chemical composition gradient. Predictive equations for the gradient, namely the extension of chemical composition gradient zones, are proposed based on the two studied variables.

Keywords:

• Functionally graded materials
• Incremental melting and solidification process
• Cu–Sn alloys
• Melt temperature
• Relative mould/coil rate