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Semi-solid metal (SSM) casting of aluminum components is currently establishing itself as a viable process for critical applications in the automotive industry. SSM casting processes compete favorably on both cost and performance with other casting techniques including gravity permanent mold (GPM), conventional high pressure die casting (HPDC) and squeeze casting. In this paper the various SSM casting routes in use today are reviewed. The two categories of SSM processes are thixocasting (involves the use of electro-magnetically stirred or grain-refined billets) and rheocasting (slurry produced directly from the liquid phase). The former requires a billet that needs to be reheated and processed, whereas the latter is cast directly from the liquid state. Also described here are new approaches to slurry making. These include the Slurry on Demand (SoD) process from AEMP, the Sub Liquidus Casting (SLCR) process from THT, and Diffusion Solidification.

Squeeze casting is considered a “high integrity” casting process because it imparts qualities (higher tensile properties, in particular ductility due to reduced or absence of porosity in the matrix, and the ability to heat treat) to a metal that are difficult to achieve with conventional casting techniques including gravity permanent mold (GPM) and high pressure, high velocity (HPDC) die casting. In recent years, the squeeze casting process has been widely used with various aluminum alloys to manufacture near-net shape automotive components requiring high strength, ductility or pressure tightness. However, with the emphasis on weight reduction, lower cost and improved performance of structural components, alternative lightweight materials including magnesium are now being seriously considered. Unfortunately, the use of magnesium as a structural material has been hindered by the lack of data on mechanical properties and the lack of new improved casting methods.