Abstract
Keywords - Aluminium, SSM, Thixocasting, Sub Liquidus Casting, New Rheocasting.
Abstract - Several aluminium casting techniques based in semi-solid state have been developed during the last years, such as thixocasting, new-rheocasting and subliquidus-casting. In this work the microstructure and mechanical properties of automotive components obtained by these techniques, and heat treated, are compared.
The mechanical properties of A356 and A357 components with T5 and T6 treatments, produced by SSM, are compared with the results obtained in permanent mould. The components were characterised by optical and electron microscopy and mechanical tests.