Abstract
Aluminum alloys are processed by semi continuous casting either by direct chill or open mould casting. However, due to intrinsic complications of the casting process and the size of the solidified ingots, it is difficult to evaluate or even predict the effect of process parameters such as cooling water flow rate or casting velocity on the microstructure of the ingots. In this paper we report some results from a laboratory scale built semi continuous machine. Results show that regardless of the casting parameters used, a fine equiaxed microstructure was obtained in every test.

Key words
aluminum alloys, solidification, semi continuous casting, microstructure, heat flow

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