Multiproperty metal forming process

摘要

Methods for semisolid manufacturing of precision parts, turbine rotors for example, comprised of a plurality of high melting point alloys are given. Generally, a semisolid/thixotropic process is operated under vacuum utilizing a removable mold. The process preferably comprises a vacuum chamber, an inductive heater to bring a high melting point multi-alloy slug to a thixotropic phase, a supercooled mold comprised of a low melting point alloy or metal, and a plunger that accelerates and injects the high melting point slug into the low melting point mold. As the formed part cools, the supercooled low melting point mold heats up to its melting point upon which separation from the formed part occurs. Supercooling of the removable mold permits the use of thixotropic methods for high melting point alloys. Thixotropic forging of a multi-alloy assembly tailors its mechanical properties to achieve optimized properties in specific locations of the final product.