Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
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1.10 Thixocastings<br />
1.10.1 Semi-solid forming<br />
A process at the border between casting and forming<br />
This process makes use of the thixotropic behaviour of semi-solid metallic alloys. Under some<br />
conditions the metal behaves like a solid (high viscosity) if not sheared. As soon as shearing<br />
occurs, viscosity decreases by orders of magnitude. Under some conditions this effect is<br />
reversible.<br />
Source: JP Gabathuler, Alcan<br />
Metallic alloys have strong thixotropic behaviour if:<br />
it is possible to bring the metal homogeneously to the required semi-solid state, i.e.<br />
enough solidification range is present,<br />
a microstructure with very fine and round grains exists.<br />
Source: JP Gabathuler, Alcan<br />
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