LM29 - Aluminium Casting Alloy

( A1-Si23Cu1Mg1Ni1 ) Colour Code - BROWN/GREEN This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM29. Castings are standardized in the precipitation treated (TE) condition and the fully heat treated (TF) condition.

Chemical Composition
%
Copper 0.8-1.3

Magnesium

0.8-1.3

Silicon

22-25

Iron

0.7 max

Manganese

0.6 max

Nickel

0.8-1.5

Zinc

0.2 max

Lead

0.1 max

Tin

0.1 max

Titanium

0.2 max

%
Chronium 0.6 max

Cobalt

0.5 max

Aluminium

Remainder

Others: each

0.10 max

Others: total

0.30 max

Figures in brackets are ingot compositions where they differ from the casting, single figures are maxima.

Mechanical Properties
LM29-TE

Sand Cast
0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm 2 ) 120

Chill Cast
170

Tensile Stress (N/mm 2 )

120

190

Elongation (%)

0.5

0.5

Impact Resistance Izod (Nm)

Brinell Hardness

100-140

100-140

Sand Cast
Endurance Limit (5x10 7 cycles;N/mm 2 ) -

Chill Cast
-

Modulus of Elasticity (x10 3 N/mm 2 )

88

88

Shear Strength (N/mm 2 ) LM29-TF

Sand Cast
0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm 2 ) 120

Chill Cast
170-190

Tensile Stress (N/mm 2 )

120

190-220

Elongation (%)

0.5

0.5

Impact Resistance Izod (Nm)

Brinell Hardness

100-140

100-140

Endurance Limit (5x10 7 cycles;N/mm 2 )

Modulus of Elasticity (x10 3 N/mm 2 )

88

88

Shear Strength (N/mm 2 )

The values shown are typical ranges for sand and chill cast test bars produced to the requirement of B.S. 1490. Those in heavier type are minimum specification values.

Strength at Elevated Temperatures

Castings in LM29 retain a high proportion of their room temperature strength and hardness at the normal operating temperatures of internal combustion engine pistons, e.g., after heating at 200C for 1000 hours castings may be expected to have half their initial room temperature strength. At 300C the tensile strength is of the order of 60 N/mm 2

Physical Properties

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (perC at 20-100C)

0.0000165

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (perC at 20-200C)

0.000018

Thermal Conductivity (cal/cm 2 /cm/C at 25C)

0.24-0.27

Electrical Conductivity (% copper standard at 20C)

Density (g/cm 3 )

2.65

Freezing Range (C) approx

770-520

Machinability
This alloy and the preceding alloy LM28 have the lowest machinability rating of the Aluminium casting alloys mainly as a result of the high proportion of Silicon they contain, which can lead to rapid tool wear. If the alloy is not adequately refined, in addition to the rapid tool wear which will occur, there is a danger that some of the coarse Silicon particles may be torn from the surface. If the alloy is properly refined and the Silicon particles as a result are fine and uniformly distributed, castings can be machined satisfactorily with frequently sharpened carbide tipped tools, using large rake angles and relatively low cutting speeds. A cutting lubricant and coolant should be employed. For pistons, the common practice is to use diamond tools.

Corrosion Resistance
There is very little likelihood of corrosive attack of pistons under service conditions and the high resistance of the alloy to atmospheric corrosion is of little practical significance.

Anodizing
LM29 can be anodized but the coating is not suitable for decorative purposes.

Casting Characteristics

FLUIDITY - Fair PRESSURE TIGHTNESS -Fair HOT-TEARING - Good TYPICAL POURING TEMPERATURE - 830C LM29 is refined with Phosphorus containing agents, or Phosphor-Copper to avoid the formation of coarse primary Silicon particles, the formation of which will cause problems in machining, segregation and brittleness. BS1490 permits a maximum primary Silicon particle size of 70 microns for individual particles and an average of 40 microns for all Silicon particles. To obtain the desired structure, a rapid rate of solidification is required so permanent mould casting methods are preferable to sand casting. Prolonged degassing treatment may be necessary as, at the high melt temperatures, gas pickup is considerable. Oxidation will increase at these higher temperatures. Flux compositions must be free of Sodium to avoid negating the modification process. High gating ratios are recommended and metal should be poured rapidly to avoid Silicon separation in the runners. PATTERNMAKERS' SHRINKAGE - Tall feeders are needed to prevent shrinkage pipes extending into the casting.

Heat Treatment
For pistons, the precise details of the heat treatment employed depends to some extent on the service conditions and the requirement for the particular piston. LM29-TF (fully heat treated) -heat for 4 hours at 500C, quench in an air blast, followed by precipitation hardening for 8 hours at 185C. LM29-TE (artificially aged) - heat at 185C for a time appropriate to obtain the desired properties.

Applications

LM29 is used for pistons for high performance internal combustion engines where advantage can be taken of its low coefficient of thermal expansion and its high resistance to wear.