Abstract
Thixoforming and related semi-solid processing (SSP) methods require thixotropic materials. One of the many SSP techniques is the cooling slope (CS) casting process, which is simple and has minimal equipment requirements, and which is able to produce feedstock materials for semisolid processing. When the feedstock is reheated to the semisolid temperature range, non-dendritic, spheroidal solid particles in a liquid matrix suitable for thixoforming are obtained. In this study, equipment for the CS technique was first established, and then the effects of the pouring temperature and inclined slope angle on the microstructures of A380 aluminum alloy (ISOAlSi8Cu3Fe) were studied. Optimum parameters for thixoforming experiments were selected, and it was found that the microstructure produced by the inclined plate depended on its angle and the pouring temperature.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
