Influence of solidification rates on a Directional Solidification process for the production of Functionally Graded Materials

This paper is concerned in assessing the possibility of the use of a Directional Solidification (DS) process in order to produce functionally graded materials. It will be assessed the influence of the relative displacement rate between heating coil and mould, in order to evaluate the produced cooling rates along the casting and consequent metallurgical and mechanical properties on the obtained component. A copper-silver alloy, which is prompt to macro-segregation occurrence, will be used. Results demonstrate that the process, which is able to originate DS castings, may also be used for FGMs production.