The semi-solid slurry of 6061 aluminum alloy was prepared via a serpentine pouring channel. The influences of pouring temperature

bend inner diameterand the content of Si element on microstructure of the alloy slurry were investigated. The results indicate that the semi-solid slurry prepared by the serpentine channel has superior spheroidization and refinement effects to the traditional casting process

where the primary α-Al grains are refined to 66.37 μm. With the Si content increasing

the spheroidizing and refining effect of grains become more significant. When the Si content is 1.2%

the average grain diameter and shape factor of the primary α-Al grain are 42.85 μm and 0.83

respectively. When the pouring temperature is 660～690 ℃ and the channel inner diameter is 20 mm

the prepared semi-solid slurry of 6061 aluminum alloy has a desirable effect.