THIXOFORMING OF HIGH-MELTING-POINT ALLOYS

Abstract

Processing of steel in the semi-solid state concerns mainly continuous casting and thixoforming processes. Continuous casting is usually applied within the confines of steel making processes. Due to stringent process requirements, thixotropic forming of steel alloys has not been practically applied in industry yet. However, it is believed that this method could be used for forming selected products. Thixoforming could be treated as alternative method of production for forging techniques in the case non-plastic alloys. In this paper the method of development of globular microstructure, thixoforming process and analysis of rheological properties of selected steels were described.