The quality of aluminum–silicon casting alloys is considered to be a key factor in selecting an alloy for a particular engineering application. Deciding upon the right alloy quality thus involves reaching a suitable compromise between numerous factors so as to present the least possible risk with maximum performance in combination with adequate cost-effectiveness. Alloy composition, solidification rate, heat treatment procedures, casting defects, and such microstructural features as grain size and intermetallic phases, are all parameters which closely affect alloy quality since they also influence the mechanical properties of the casting. The development of the quality index concept and quality charts, in particular, in relation to their application to Al–Si casting alloys will be reviewed in this article. Although this paper covers only aluminum alloys, the methodology should also apply to other materials and alloys (iron and steels, Mg alloys, etc.) Cáceres has established the scientific basis for constructing quality indices and plots, and this could be applied to other materials.

铝硅铸造合金的质量被认为是为特定工程应用选择合金的关键因素。因此，确定合适的合金质量需要在众多因素之间达成适当的折衷，以便在性能最大化的同时结合足够的成本效益，以最小的风险实现最大的性能。合金成分，凝固速率，热处理程序，铸件缺陷以及诸如晶粒尺寸和金属间相的显微组织特征都是密切影响合金质量的参数，因为它们也影响铸件的机械性能。本文将回顾质量指数概念和质量图表的发展，尤其是与它们在Al-Si铸造合金中的应用有关。