Abstract
Semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys is a well-known manufacturing technique able to combine high production rates with parts quality, resulting in high performance and reasonable component costs. The advantages offered by semi-solid processing are due to the shear thinning behavior of the thixotropic slurries during the mold filling. This is related to the microstructure of these slurries consisting of solid, nondendritic, near-globular primary particles surrounded by a liquid matrix. This paper presents a review on the formation of this nondendritic microstructure, reports on the different proposed mechanisms that might be responsible, and illustrates the relationship between microstructure and properties, in particular, tensility, fatigue, wear, and corrosion resistance.
Highlights
Semi-solid metal (SSM) processing is a manufacturing technique where an alloy, in the form of a slurry of near-globular primary particles in a liquid matrix, is injected into a die, allowing the production of near-net-shape components
This paper presents a review on the formation of nondendritic microstructures, microstructures that have a key role in semi-solid processing, and discusses the different proposed mechanisms together with ways to analyze SSM microstructures
During the early experiments performed by Spencer et al on a Sn–Pb15 alloy [10], it was found that the microstructure of the material was strongly affected by the constant shearing of the alloy when in semi-solid state
Summary
Semi-solid metal (SSM) processing is a manufacturing technique where an alloy, in the form of a slurry of near-globular primary particles in a liquid matrix, is injected into a die, allowing the production of near-net-shape components. The semi-solid slurry is prepared in situ from the liquid state down to a certain percentage of solid fraction (usually between 10 and 30% [12]), and directly transferred into the shot sleeve for being injected into the die. 60% [13]), placed in a modified shot sleeve and injected into the die [14] Another classification methodology distinguishes the SSM methods according to the initial step used for obtaining the semi-solid feedstock, i.e., from the liquid state, by controlled solidification or from the solid state, via heavy plastic deformation and recrystallization [11]. The review provides information on the variation of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior through modification of microstructures that are typical of SSM processing
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