In this paper, ZL205A (AlCu5Mn alloy) castings were prepared by squeeze casting. The effects of solution and ageing treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZL205A castings were studied by metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and mechanical properties tests. The results showed that most of the θ(Al₂Cu) and T(Al₁₂CuMn₂) phases in squeeze-cast ZL205A dissolved into the α(Al) matrix after solution treatment for 15 h. The fine precipitates gradually increased with the ageing time. The ultimate tensile strength of the specimen aged for 6 h was the highest of 467 MPa and the elongation was up to 15.1%, showing good comprehensive mechanical properties.

In this study, the heat treatment process of a high-chromium cast iron (HCCI) alloy prepared via 128 MPa squeeze casting at different subcritical quenching temperatures was investigated. The results showed that subcritical heat treatment can change the martensite content, the carbide type and size of the squeeze casting HCCI microstructure. Furthermore, it was revealed that the subcritical quenching heat treatment can improve the hardness of the liquid-forged HCCIs. When the quenching temperature increased from 500 °C to 530 °C, the hardness of the alloy increased significantly, reaching a maximum value of 57 HRC. Thereafter, if the temperature continued to rise to 630 °C, the hardness decreased rapidly. For impact toughness, when the quenching temperature was 500 °C, the toughness of alloy increased by 0.9 J/cm² than that of the no heat treatment group. If the quenching temperature continued to increase, the toughness was reduced. Taking hardness and toughness into account, the microstructure evolution diagram of the optimal process-500 °C subcritical quenching process was established, various characterisation techniques were used to gain insights into the optimal heat treatment process. Compared with high temperature heat treatment, subcritical heat treatment can improve the performance of the HCCI alloy and reduce costs.