Machining practice is similar to that for other Aluminium casting alloys containing silicon. Whilst there is not the tendency to drag associated with high silicon alloys such as LM6, tool wear is more rapid than in the case of alloys containing relatively small amounts of silicon. The use of carbide-tipped tools is recommended but a good finish can be obtained with high speed steels.
Lower alloy steel tools may be used provided they are frequently re-ground to maintain a sharp cutting edge. A cutting lubricant and coolant should be employed.
LM24 is essentially a diecasting alloy. It has excellent casting characteristics and is generally a little simpler to diecast than the higher silicon-containing alloys. Diecastings in LM24 are suitable for most engineering applications and have an advantage over an alloy such as LM6 when maximum mechanical properties are required. In practice LM6 is preferred to LM24 only for diecastings in which a high resistance to corrosion is the primary requirement.
For the vast majority of diecastings, the alloys LM2 and LM24 are equally suitable.
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