Microstructure, defects and properties in aluminium alloys casting: a review

Microstructure, defects and final mechanical behaviour in castings are strongly correlated and inter-dependent. With specific reference to Aluminium alloys cast products, the present paper is aimed at describing - firstly the more frequently encountered defects in castings, - then the typical microstructure that can be achieved - and finally how defects and microstructure are affecting the mechanical properties of such castings. The need of an integrated knowledge about these aspects is outlined, in view of an efficient and optimised design of cast components manufactured using Aluminium alloys.