Semi-solid metal processing
US6311759A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S164/90
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for producing a shaped metallic article includes the steps of melting a metal alloy, reducing the temperature of the molten metal to the liquidus temperature, casting the molten metal at the liquidus temperature into a mould and solidifying the molten metal to obtain a feedstock material. The feedstock material is subsequently heated to a temperature between the liquidus and solidus temperatures to produce a self-supporting thixotropic material which is then formed to the desired shape. Casting the feedstock material from a melt at substantially the liquidus temperature produces a microstructure that is especially suitable for subsequent forming of the thixotropic material and this allows use of slower forming speeds and lower forming pressure during the forming step.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.