Extensive research on the structure and properties of cast aluminum and magnesium alloys ha% been applied to foundry practice. The term 'premium quality' is used to describe castings with reliably high mechanical properties and high integrity of the product, guaranteed by the foundry. In production, conventional equipment and manufacturing techniques may be used, but rigid control of metal purity, alloy composition, melt quality, solidification conditions and heat treatment is essential to achieve and maintain high reliability of properties in designated areas of the casting, which are graded according to design and service considerations. Examples of the excellent properties that have been obtained in aluminum and magnesium alloy castings are listed.

Investigation of the effect of casting and crystallization on the structure and properties of the resulting light alloys and, in particular, research connected with detailed analysis of the microstructure of light alloys obtained using various external influences of ultrasonic, vibration, magnetic, and mechanical processing on the casting and crystallization are discussed. Research on the study of introduction of additives (modifiers, reinforcers, including nanosized ones, etc.) into the melt during the crystallization process, the technological properties of casting (fluidity, segregation, shrinkage, etc.), the structure and physicomechanical properties of light alloys are also included.

Premium-quality castings are those which are guaranteed to show a specified high level of mechanical properties. The properties currently being achieved represent significant improvements over those which can be achieved in conventional aluminum-alloy castings and approach the properties currently obtainable in wrought aluminum alloys. These property advances are largely the result of improved casting technique and design. These castings are gradually finding acceptance and usage in aerospace applications, thanks to integrated efforts between the casting producers and their customers. (Author).

Direct-chill casting is the major production route for wrought aluminium and magnesium alloys that are later deformed (rolled, extruded, forged) to the final products. To aid in this process, this book provides comprehensive coverage on topics such as the history of process development in this field, industrial applications, including vertical and horizontal casting, melt preparation, fundamentals of solidification in DC casting, and more. The first book targeted for the industrial researcher and practitioner, it pulls together the practice and process of physics with the goal of improving process performance.

J. G. (Gil) Kaufman is currently president of his consulting company, Kaufman Associates.