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

Abstract

The latest trend in the automotive industry to produce fuel-efficient vehicles has resulted in the increased use of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Liquid metal high pressure die-casting (HPDC) currently satisfies the bulk of the automotive industry's needs in those regard. Growing demands for improved quality and weight reduction, however, have been driving the development of new processing technologies. Problems inherently associated with liquid metal HPDC have resulted in enhanced interest in semi-solid metal (SSM) casting processes. The CSIR has developed and patented a novel SSM rheocasting process and equipment for semi-solid casting described here.