LM29
LM29
LM29
( 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
120
190
Elongation (%)
0.5
0.5
Brinell Hardness
100-140
100-140
Sand Cast
Endurance Limit (5x10 7 cycles;N/mm 2 ) -
Chill Cast
-
88
88
Sand Cast
0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm 2 ) 120
Chill Cast
170-190
120
190-220
Elongation (%)
0.5
0.5
Brinell Hardness
100-140
100-140
88
88
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.
Physical Properties
0.0000165
0.000018
0.24-0.27
Density (g/cm 3 )
2.65
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.