Aluminum silver master alloy AlYb10
AlYb5-10 customized
INTRODUCTION OF MASTER ALLOY
A master alloy is a base metal such as aluminium, copper or nickel
combined with a relatively high percentage of one or two other
elements. An example is AlTi10 - a binary alloy consisting of 10%
titanium in aluminium. A master alloy is a semi-finished product.
It is manufactured for use as a raw material by the metals
industry. Master alloys are produced in various shapes. Examples
are: ingot, waffle plate, rod in coils, etc.
Master alloys are used worldwide. Invariably they are found in
plants where metal is melted, alloyed with various elements and
then cast into shapes. This can be aluminium, iron, steel or even a
precious metal such as gold.
There are various reasons for adding master alloys to a melt. One
of the main applications is composition adjustment, i.e. changing
the composition of the liquid metal to achieve the desired chemical
specification. Another important application is structure control -
influencing the microstructure of a metal during the casting and
solidification process in order to change its properties. Such
properties include mechanical strength, ductility, electrical
conductivity, castability or surface appearance. A master alloy is
sometimes also referred to as "hardener", "grain refiner" or
"modifier" depending on its application.
Reasons for using a master alloy instead of a pure metal can be
economical, technical or both. Some elements show high losses - or
poor yield - when added in pure form. Others will not dissolve at
all at the furnace temperature prevailing in a casthouse. A master
alloy often provides the solution, as it dissolves much quicker at
lower temperatures, saving valuable energy and production time.
The master alloy industry uses specialised equipment such as high
temperature induction furnaces to produce the alloy composition
suitable for use by the regular metals industry.
Related Products
AlMn, AlTi, AlNi, AlV, AlSr, AlZr, AlCa, AlLi, AlFe, AlCu, AlCr,
AlB, AlRe, AlBe, AlBi, AlCo, AlMo, AlW, AlMg, AlZn, AlSn, AlCe,
AlY, AlLa, AlPr, AlNd, AlAg, AlSc, etc.
