| The need to reduce the fleet fuel consumption is pushing the automotive industry to reduce vehicles weight.;In this context high strength aluminum alloys are a viable alternative to the heavier steel currently adopted. In particular 7xxx series wrought alloys, thanks to their excellent strength to weight ratio, are drawing the attention of carmakers.;The development of the Controlled Diffusion Solidification (CDS) technique allows now the casting of these alloys into near net shapes, thus reducing all the costs related to the manufacturing process and making them attractive. Because of the completely different microstructure resulting from the CDS process, a new design of the heat treatments is required to achieve the best mechanical properties.;This project therefore evaluates the macro and microhardness evolution of CDS cast 7xxx alloys in T4 and T6 conditions to predict their precipitation sequence, thus providing useful information for the heat treatments design. |
