Rheo-processing of semi-solid metal alloys: a new technology for manufacturing Automotive and aerospace components - Conference paper

Abstract

The new trend in the automotive industry to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles has resulted in the increased use of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Currently liquid metal high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) fulfills the bulk of the automotive industry’s needs, however, the ever increasing demands on quality and weight reduction have driven the development of new processing technologies. The inherent problems associated with liquid metal HPDC have resulted in the increased interest in semi-solid forming processes. The CSIR in SA, developed and patented a rheocasting process and equipment for semi solid casting, which is in the commercialization stage and an automotive component will be manufactured soon.