The SEED Technology for Semi-Solid Processing of Aluminum Alloys: A Metallurgical and Process Overview

Joseph Langlais; Alain Lemieux

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.116-117.472

Paper Titles

Study on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Rheo-Die Casting Semi-Solid A356 Aluminum Alloy
p.453

Fluid Flow Investigation of Die Cast Tensile Test Bars
p.457

Rheoforging of Steel
p.464

Influence of Slurry Temperature and Gate Velocity on Injection Molding of Magnesium Alloys
p.468

The SEED Technology for Semi-Solid Processing of Aluminum Alloys: A Metallurgical and Process Overview
p.472

Semi-Solid Casting of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
p.478

Potential of the Rheocasting Process, Demonstrated on Different Aluminum Based Alloy Systems
p.484

Mechanical and Microstructural Properties Investigation on Rheocast Automotive Parts Using A356 Alloy
p.489

Evolution of Primary Particles Morphology during Secondary Cooling in SSR^® Process.
p.493

HomeSolid State PhenomenaSolid State Phenomena Vols. 116-117The SEED Technology for Semi-Solid Processing of...

The SEED Technology for Semi-Solid Processing of Aluminum Alloys: A Metallurgical and Process Overview

Abstract:

As part of the foundry technology program, Alcan is developing a liquid-based slurrymaking process known as the SEED technology for semi-solid forming. The technology is presently entering the industrial and commercial stages, and will be used by the first customers in late 2006. The semi-solid process offers many advantages to economically fabricate near-net-shape parts having superior quality. The SEED process helps to overcome problems experienced with thixocasting and especially the high cost of feedstock. The SEED process involves two main steps: 1) heat extraction to achieve a desired liquid/solid mixture, and 2) drainage of an excess liquid to produce a self-supporting semi-solid slug that is formed under pressure. An overview of the industrial SEED technology advantages such as the alloy processing flexibility (A356, AA6061) and large slug dimensions and weights, is presented. The influence of the SEED processing parameters (slurry preparation) on the final mechanical properties and the microstructure evolution is also reported.

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Periodical:

Solid State Phenomena (Volumes 116-117)

Pages:

472-477

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.116-117.472

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Cite this paper

Online since:

October 2006

Authors:

Joseph Langlais, Alain Lemieux

Keywords:

Primary Phase, Rheo-Casting, SEED Process, Semi-Solid, Slurry, Solid Fraction

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