METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SEMISOLID METAL SLURRIES AND SHAPED COMPONENTS

摘要

A method and apparatus for converting liquid alloy into its thixotropic stat e and for fabricating high integrity components by injecting subsequently the thixotropic alloy into a die cavity (51). The apparatus includes a liquid metal feeder (20), a high shear twin-screw extruder (30), a shot assembly (4 0) and a central control system. The apparatus and method can offer net-shaped components characterised by close to zero porosity, fine and equiaxed particles with a uniform distribution in the eutectic matrix, and a large range of solid volume fractions.