Process and apparatus for making thixotropic metal slurries

摘要

A process and apparatus for forming a semi-solid thixotropic alloy slurry and preferably a rheocasting therefrom. Molten metal in a mold is cooled under controlled conditions while it is mixed under the influence of a moving magnetic field. A non-zero, magnetic field is provided across the full cross section of the mold and over the entire solidification zone. This results in a magnetomotive stirring force of sufficient magnitude to provide mixing of the molten metal to form the slurry. Preferably, a two pole induction motor stator is used to generate the magnetic field.