Thixocasting: widening the spectrum of alloys and application

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Thixocasting: widening the spectrum of alloys and application

Garat, M. / Maenner, L.

All the main elements of the thixocasting technology are now available on a fully industrial basis: feedstock billets, reheating systems, shot control die casting machines and simulation softwares. Generally speaking, the process is now much better understood and mastered and is at present fully industrial with several highly reliable independent part suppliers as well as some integrated automobile and equipment manufacturers foundries in operation. This progress, combined with recent alloy developments such as those presented here should increase the technical and economic competivity of the thixocasting process. Close cooperation with the automobile industry and its suppliers will be vital. ALUMINIUM PECHINEY considers with interest the development of the thixocasting process and is devoting a significant effort not only to alloy development and billet production but also to technical assistance and part development with the European und Japanese automobile industries. The existing billet capacity is still far from being saturated and can also rapidly be vastly increased when the market requires it. Another large capacity exists in the USA at ORMET PRIMARY ALUMINUM who is producing thixotropic billets under ALUMINIUM PECHINEY's license to supply the North America Market. The growth of the production volume of thixotropic billets is clearly the key to a significant reduction of their cost.