Aluminum Castings & Hydrogen

Jan 19, 2016

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 10.49.46 AM

Hydrogen is the only gas that is soluble to a significant extent in aluminum and aluminum alloys. Its solubility is affected by temperature and pressure. During cooling and solidification excess hydrogen can precipitate producing voids, which can be problematic. Unwanted hydrogen can come from a number of sources, including atmospheric moisture. The foundry should take preventative steps to minimize hydrogen absorption into aluminum and aluminum alloy castings.