Abstract: An aluminum alloy for shaped castings, the alloy having the following composition ranges in weight percent: about 6.0–8.5% silicon, less than 0.4% magnesium, less than 0.1% cerium, less than 0.2% iron, copper in a range from about 0.1% to about 0.5% and/or zinc in a range from about 1% to about 4%, the alloy being particularly suited for T5 heat treatment.

Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy includes at least about 0.5 wt % Ni and 1-3 wt % Mn. It further includes zirconium or scandium for precipitation hardening during T5 heat treatment.

Abstract: There is claimed an Al—Ni—Mn based alloy for die casting, squeeze casting, permanent mold casting, sand casting and/or semi-solid metal forming. The composition of this alloy includes, by weight percent: about 2-6% Ni, about 1-3% Mn, less than about 1% Fe, less than about 1% Si, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. It is suitable for aerospace and automotive cast parts.

Abstract: An improved Al—Si—Mg—Mn casting alloy that consists essentially of: about 6.0-9.0 wt. % silicon, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % magnesium, about 0.1-1.2 wt. % manganese, less than about 0.15 wt. % iron, less than about 0.3 wt. % titanium and less than about 0.04 wt. % strontium, the balance aluminum. Preferrably, this casting alloy is substantially copper-free, chromium-free and beryllium-free.

Abstract: A method for preventing oxidation of molten aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy surfaces, the method comprising providing a molten aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy having a molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface; covering the molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface with an initial layer of petroleum coke, the initial layer of petroleum coke having an initial layer thickness of about 0.75 inches; oxidizing a portion of the initial layer of petroleum coke to form a working layer of petroleum coke covering the molten metal surface, the working layer of coke having a working layer thickness of about 0.5 inches, and a layer of carbon dioxide immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the working layer of petroleum coke; and adding additional petroleum coke to the working layer of petroleum coke to maintain the working layer thickness at about 0.5 inches.

Abstract: An improved Al—Si—Mg—Mn casting alloy that consists essentially of: about 6.0-9.0 wt. % silicon, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % magnesium, about 0.1-1.2 wt. % manganese, less than about 0.15 wt. % iron, less than about 0.3 wt. % titanium and less than about 0.04 wt. % strontium, the balance aluminum.

Abstract: There is claimed an Al—Ni—Mn based alloy for die casting, squeeze casting, permanent mold casting, sand casting and/or semi-solid metal forming. The composition of this alloy includes, by weight percent: about 0.5-6% Ni, about 1-3% Mn, less than about 1% Fe, less than about 1% Si, less than about 0.3% Ti, and less than about 0.06% B, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. It is suitable for aerospace and automotive cast parts.

Abstract: Alloy and cast alloy product ideally suited for use as a component in a vehicle frame or subframe, i.e., body-in-white, comprising an alloy consisting of about 2.80 to 3.60 wt. % magnesium, less than approximately 0.20 wt. % silicon, approximately 1.10 to 1.40 wt. % manganese, less than approximately 0.2 wt. % iron, less than approximately 0.15 wt. % titanium, about 0.0005 to 0.0015 beryllium, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. The aluminum/magnesium alloy is typically solidified into ingot derived working stock by die casting into a shape suitable for remelt for die casting, which shape is typically an ingot billet. Excellent mechanical properties are obtained from a cast product that is not subjected to heat treating operations subsequent to casting.