Synopsis
In this study, the effects of different heat treatment processes on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of AlSi10Mg alloy, widely used in the production of electric vehicle battery trays, were systematically investigated. Within the scope of the study, two different alloy compositions were prepared by varying the magnesium (Mg) content, and samples were produced using the low-pressure casting method. T5 (artificial aging after forming) and T6 (solution treatment, quenching, and artificial aging) heat treatment processes were applied to the samples, and their effects on the microstructure, mechanical performance, and dimensional stability were comparatively evaluated.
The experimental results indicated that increasing the Mg content significantly improved the yield strength and tensile strength, particularly in the samples subjected to T5 heat treatment. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced effectiveness of the precipitation hardening mechanism. The findings demonstrate that, with optimized Mg content, the targeted mechanical properties can be achieved in AlSi10Mg alloy without the need for T6 heat treatment. This provides a significant advantage in terms of reduced processing time and lower energy consumption.
In terms of dimensional stability, it was determined that the T5 heat treatment resulted in lower deformation and distortion compared to T6. In particular, for large and thin-walled battery trays, geometric deviations caused by residual stresses induced during the quenching stage constitute a significant limitation of the T6 process. In contrast, the T5 process minimizes these risks by providing a more controlled thermal cycle.
In conclusion, with the optimization of Mg content, the T5 heat treatment process emerges as a viable alternative for electric vehicle battery trays, offering both sufficient mechanical strength and improved dimensional stability. This study contributes to the development of lightweight, safe, and cost-effective battery systems in the automotive industry and provides guidance for industrially applicable process design.
