Abstract: The preparation of semisolid slurry of A356 aluminum alloy using an oblique plate was investigated. A356 alloy melt
undergoes partial solidification when it flows down on an oblique plate cooled from underneath by counter flowing water. It results
in continuous formation of columnar dendrites on plate wall. Due to forced convection, these dendrites are sheared off into
equiaxed/fragmented grains and then washed away continuously to produce semisolid slurry at plate exit. Melt pouring temperature
provides required condition of solidification whereas plate inclination enables necessary shear for producing semisolid slurry of
desired quality. Slurry obtained was solidified in metal mould to produce semisolid-cast billets of desired microstructure.
Furthermore, semisolid-cast billets were heat treated to improve surface quality. Microstructures of both semisolid-cast and
heat-treated billets were analyzed. Effects of melt pouring temperature and plate inclination on solidification and microstructure of
billets produced using oblique plate were described. The investigations involved four different melt pouring temperatures (620, 625,
630 and 635 °C) associated with four different plate inclinations (30°, 45°, 60° and 75°). Melt pouring temperature of 625 °C with
plate inclination of 60° shows fine and globular microstructures and it is the optimum.
Key words: A356 aluminum alloy; semisolid; oblique plate; slurry; melt pouring temperature; plate inclination