Abstract: A free casting method according to the present invention includes, a lead-out step for leading out molten metal from a lead-out area (P) provided in a source of supply, e.g. a surface level of the molten metal, to retain the molten metal temporarily by surface films (F) generated on an outer surface, and a forming step for obtaining a formed body by solidifying retained molten metal (MS) led out along a set passage (L1) depending on a desired casting shape, wherein the retained molten metal is solidified after being formed into the desired casting shape by applying an external force thereto at positions between an unrestrained root portion of the retained molten metal in vicinity of the surface level of the molten metal and a solidification interface defined as a boundary between the retained molten metal and the formed body in the forming step.

Abstract: A free casting method according to the present invention includes, a lead-out step for leading out molten metal from a lead-out area provided in a source of supply, e.g. a surface level of the molten metal, to retain the molten metal temporarily by surface films generated on an outer surface, and a forming step for obtaining a formed body by solidifying retained molten metal led out along a set passage depending on a desired casting shape, wherein the retained molten metal is solidified after being formed into the desired casting shape by applying an external force thereto at positions between an unrestrained root portion of the retained molten metal in vicinity of the surface level of the molten metal and a solidification interface defined as a boundary between the retained molten metal and the formed body in the forming step.

Abstract: A free casting method according to the present invention includes, a lead-out step for leading out molten metal from a lead-out area (P) provided in a source of supply, e.g. a surface level of the molten metal, to retain the molten metal temporarily by surface films (F) generated on an outer surface, and a forming step for obtaining a formed body by solidifying retained molten metal (MS) led out along a set passage (L1) depending on a desired casting shape, wherein the retained molten metal is solidified after being formed into the desired casting shape by applying an external force thereto at positions between an unrestrained root portion of the retained molten metal in vicinity of the surface level of the molten metal and a solidification interface defined as a boundary between the retained molten metal and the formed body in the forming step.

Abstract: A molten alloy solidification analyzing method of the invention is characterized in that the amount of change in fraction solid is calculated based on the solidification rate of molten alloy and the solidification rate parameter that is a parameter for evaluating the influence of the solidification rate on solidification of the molten alloy, according to the fraction solid. By conducting such a simulation that takes into consideration the supercooling, a highly accurate solidification analysis is relatively easily performed for various molten alloys.

Abstract: A mold includes: a base; and a contact surface which is provided on the base and which comes into contact with a molten material. The contact surface is provided with a first surface portion that includes a first fiber layer in which first carbon fibers are raised, and a second surface portion having different surface characteristics from the first surface portion.

Abstract: A free casting method according to the present invention includes, a lead-out step for leading out molten metal from a lead-out area provided in a source of supply, e.g. a surface level of the molten metal, to retain the molten metal temporarily by surface films generated on an outer surface, and a forming step for obtaining a formed body by solidifying retained molten metal led out along a set passage depending on a desired casting shape, wherein the retained molten metal is solidified after being formed into the desired casting shape by applying an external force thereto at positions between an unrestrained root portion of the retained molten metal in vicinity of the surface level of the molten metal and a solidification interface defined as a boundary between the retained molten metal and the formed body in the forming step.

Abstract: A die-casting die is provided. The die-casting die may include a cavity forming surface. A part of the cavity forming surface may be coated with a surface treatment layer. The surface treatment layer may include a mixture of fibrous carbon and particle carbon and have a thermal conductivity that increases in connection to an increase in an acted pressure.

Abstract: A molten alloy solidification analyzing method of the invention is characterized in that the amount of change in fraction solid is calculated based on the solidification rate of molten alloy and the solidification rate parameter that is a parameter for evaluating the influence of the solidification rate on solidification of the molten alloy, according to the fraction solid. By conducting such a simulation that takes into consideration the supercooling, a highly accurate solidification analysis is relatively easily performed for various molten alloys.

Abstract: PROBLEMS A method for die-casting that fluidity of molten material is satisfactory and the molten material solidifies with suitable speed is realized. MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS A die-casting die 12 comprises a cavity forming surface 9b. A part of the cavity forming surface 9b is coated with a surface treatment layer 24 having a thermal conductivity that increases in connection to an increase in an acted pressure. Satisfactory fluidity is kept at a cavity forming surface 8b coated with the surface treatment layer 24 until a filling of the molten material to the cavity 9 is completed. The molten material is cooled by the cavity forming surface 8b coated with the surface treatment layer 24 increasing the thermal conductivity after the filling of the molten material to the cavity 9 is completed.

Abstract: A mold includes: a base; and a contact surface which is provided on the base and which comes into contact with a molten material. The contact surface is provided with a first surface portion that includes a first fiber layer in which first carbon fibers are raised, and a second surface portion having different surface characteristics from the first surface portion.

Abstract: Aluminum alloys and castings are provided that have excellent practical fatigue resistances. The alloy includes, based upon 100 mass %, 4-12 mass % of Si, less than 0.2 mass % of Cu, 0.1-0.5 mass % of Mg, 0.2-3.0 mass % of Ni, 0.1-0.7 mass % of Fe, 0.15-0.3 mass % of Ti, and the balance of aluminum (Al) and impurities. The alloy has a metallographic structure, which includes a matrix phase primarily of ?-Al and a skeleton phase crystallizing around the matrix phase in a network shape. The matrix phase is strengthened by precipitates containing Mg. Because of the strengthened matrix phase, and the skeleton phase that surrounds it, the castings have high strength, high fatigue strength, and high thermo-mechanical fatigue resistance.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy is composed of 15% or more and 7.5% or less by mass of silicon, 0.45% or more and 0.8% or less by mass of magnesium, 0.05% or more and 0.35% or less by mass of chromium, and aluminum, assuming that the total amount of the alloy is 100% by mass.

Abstract: Aluminum alloys and castings are provided that have excellent practical fatigue resistances. The alloy includes, based upon 100 mass %, 4-12 mass % of Si, less than 0.2 mass % of Cu, 0.1-0.5 mass % of Mg, 0.2-3.0 mass % of Ni, 0.1-0.7 mass % of Fe, 0.15-0.3 mass % of Ti, and the balance of aluminum (Al) and impurities. The alloy has a metallographic structure, which includes a matrix phase primarily of ?-Al and a skeleton phase crystallizing around the matrix phase in a network shape. The matrix phase is strengthened by precipitates containing Mg. Because of the strengthened matrix phase, and the skeleton phase that surrounds it, the castings have high strength, high fatigue strength, and high thermo-mechanical fatigue resistance.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy according to the present invention includes from 4.0 to 6.0% Mg, from 0.3 to 0.6% Mn, from 0.5 to 0.9% Fe, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. By appropriately selecting the composition range of Mg, Mn and Fe, it has been possible to micro-finely crystallize Al (Mn, Fe) compounds while inhibiting the growth of primary-crystal Al. As a result, the resulting aluminum alloy is good in terms of the castability, and shows high strength as well as high ductility.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy having excellent castability and creep properties has compositions of 1.0-6.0 wt % Zn, 0.5-3.0 wt % Ca, 1.0 wt % or less Zr, 1.0-5.0 wt % at least one lanthanoid, the remainder being Mg and unavoidable impurities. This magnesium alloy undergoes heat treatment of heating the magnesium alloy to 430-470 ° C., quenching, and then heating to 150-250 ° C. for aging. Hot tearing and temperature strength are improved by the addition of an element which is effective for causing eutectic reaction and peritectic reaction with Mg and making Mg particles divied finely.

Abstract: A heat-resistant magnesium alloy exhibiting excellent heat resistance and castability, which comprises 1.0 to 6.0 % by weight of zinc, 0.4 to 1.0 % by weight of zirconium, 1.5 to 5.0 % by weight of rare earth element, up to 0.3 % by weight of calcium, magnesium being as the balance, and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite aluminum material to be formed integrally by bonding aluminum or aluminum alloy to an aluminum or aluminum alloy member which is formed in advance in a specified shape by the method of internal chill, etc. The method comprises the steps of forming a chemical conversion coating of pentafluoroaluminate (K.sub.2 AlF.sub.5) by bringing a solution containing potassium ions and fluorine ions in contact with the surface of the aluminum member.