Title: New frontiers for thixoforming

Authors: M. Rosso; I. Peter

Addresses: Department of Applied Science and Technology, Institute of Science & Engineering of Materials for the Innovative Technologies, ALTO – Metallurgy Group, Alessandria Campus & Torino, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy ' Department of Applied Science and Technology, Institute of Science & Engineering of Materials for the Innovative Technologies, ALTO – Metallurgy Group, Alessandria Campus & Torino, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

Abstract: The continuous increase in demand for light alloys in different applications involves manufacturing high integrity and superior performance components using cost-effective and safety processes. In this direction, the research communities together with manufacturing industries are focusing their attention to develop new products using innovative procedures, i.e., Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) processing routes. The central issue is the technological transfer to industry for affordable mass production. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of alternative methods of production of enhanced performance light alloys components for critical areas. The origin, development and current evolution of the SSM processing are illustrated with characteristics of real-life components for automotive industry. Different techniques are presented to provide a general idea prevalently on the commercially available SSM processing techniques. A comparison with traditional methods, in particular high- and low-pressure die casting technologies, in terms of process parameters and properties is illustrated and discussed.

Keywords: light alloys; semi-solid metal processing; thixoforming; rheocasting; squeeze casting; thermal treatment; microstructure; mechanical performances; die casting; process parameters; automotive manufacturing; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2013.052650

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2013 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.113 - 124

Published online: 30 Apr 2013 *

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