The effects of casting methods（permanent mould casting

liquid squeeze casting

semi-solid squeeze casting） on microstructure

thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of commercial A356 aluminum alloy were investigated. The results indicate that liquid and semi-solid squeeze casting can significantly reduce defects of casting

increasing the densification of alloy. Thereinto

the grain of the liquid squeeze castings is obviously refined compared with the permanent mould casting ones

where the eutectic Si phase is converted from the coarse lath shape to the long rodlike shape. The tensile strength of the alloy is increased from 179.930 MPa to 209.446 MPa

the elongation from 3.19% to 6.93%

the hardness（HB） from 55 to 64

and the thermal conductivity from 150.064 W/（m·K） to 153.072 W/（m·K）. After semi-solid squeeze casting

the primary α-Al grains are evenly distributed with round shape. The size of eutectic Si phase with round and blunt boundary is also decreased

and segregation is eliminated. The tensile strength

elongation

hardness（HB） and thermal conductivity of the alloy reach 223.514 MPa

13.68%

71 and 160.220 W/（m·K）

respectively.