Microstructure and mechanical properties of precision cast TiAl turbocharger wheel

From a technical perspective, many of the unique properties of TiA1-based alummides making them attractive for high-temperature structural application also assign these alloys a challenge to process into useful products. Cast TiA1 alloys due to their relatively low production cost are on the verge of a commercial application, especially in vehicle industry. The results concerning technology of precision casting together with microstructural and mechanical tests examinations of a turbocharger TiAl-based wheel prototype have been described. The processing technology of "self-supporting" ceramic shell molds was successfully verified during precision casting of turbocharger wheels. According to all results, a processing window for precision casting was established. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.