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A rheocasting process and equipment for semi-solid (SSM) casting, in which the SSM billet is directly injected into a high-pressure die-casting machine (HPDC) has been developed by the CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing.
This technology has the capability of producing high-integrity castings with improved mechanical properties for application in both the automotive and aerospace fields.
Technology for industry
Technology recognised
Technology for industry
The new trend in the automotive industry to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles has resulted in the increased use of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Demands for quality and weight reduction call for the development of new processing technologies, resulting in an increased interest in semi-solid metal forming processes. This process, semi-solid metal (SSM) casting has various benefits for the product properties.
The CSIR developed and patented a rheocasting process and equipment for semi-solid casting, in which the SSM billet is directly injected into a high-pressure die-casting machine (HPDC). This technology has the capability of producing high-integrity castings with improved mechanical properties for application in both the automotive and aerospace fields.
Laboratory prototypes have been developed into industrial-scale SSM equipment, which is highly functional and automated using robotic transfer of the SSM slurry to the HPDC machine.
Technology recognised
The potential of this technology has already been recognised by industry.
Primary Contact
Dr Willie du Preez
CSIR
wdupreez@csir.co.za
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