New frontiers for thixoforming

The continuous increase in demand for light alloys in different applications involves manufacturing high integrity and superior performance components using cost-effective and safety processes. In this direction, the research communities together with manufacturing industries are focusing their attention to develop new products using innovative procedures, i.e., Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) processing routes. The central issue is the technological transfer to industry for affordable mass production. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of alternative methods of production of enhanced performance light alloys components for critical areas. The origin, development and current evolution of the SSM processing are illustrated with characteristics of real-life components for automotive industry. Different techniques are presented to provide a general idea prevalently on the commercially available SSM processing techniques. A comparison with traditional methods, in particular High-and Low-Pressure Die Casting technologies, in terms of process parameters and properties is illustrated and discussed.