Tesla, Inc.
Casting aluminum alloys for high-performance applications

Abstract:

In various embodiments, aluminum alloys having yield strengths greater than 120 MPa, and typically in the range from 140 MPa to 175 MPa, are described. Further, such alloys can have electrical conductivity of greater than 45% IACS, typically in the range from 45-55% IACS. In one embodiment, the aluminum alloy comprises Si from 1 to 4.5 wt %, Mg from 0.3 to 0.5 wt %, TiB.sub.2 from 0.02 to 0.07 wt %, Fe less than 0.1 wt %, Zn less than 0.01 wt %, Cu less than 0.01 wt %, Mn less than 0.01 wt %, the remaining wt % being Al and incidental impurities. Such alloys can be used to cast a variety of automotive parts, including rotors, stators, busbars, inverters, and other parts.