Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
Manufacturing – Casting methods - European Aluminium Association
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Main processes used today in production<br />
All semi-solid forming processes are characterised by:<br />
10 to 70% solid phase during forming,<br />
Thixotropic properties: initially the metal's viscosity is high. After being sheared its<br />
viscosity decreases strongly.<br />
the metal solidifies during forming.<br />
Specific properties of the products:<br />
Since only part of the metal is liquid, shrinkage porosity is reduced.<br />
Solidification takes place very rapidly and little heat extraction is necessary.<br />
Since the viscosity of the metal is high, mould filling occurs in a very laminar way.<br />
Net-shape parts can be produced.<br />
Thixocasting: Liquid metal is first DC-cast to fine grained billets which are then reheated to<br />
the semi-solid state and formed to the final product. This process has been mainly used<br />
during the last 20 years.<br />
Process steps of Thixocasting<br />
Source: Alcan<br />
Version 2002 © <strong>European</strong> <strong>Aluminium</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (auto@eaa.be) 57
Change language