Thixocasting of a near-liquidus cast Al-Mg based alloy

In this study, an attempt was made to demonstrate the use of a near liquidus cast Al-Mg based alloy for semi-solid thixocasting. A component of a fishing reel was both conventional high pressure die-cast from a liquid melt and thixocast from a liquidus cast billet using the same mold. Components were examined using both optical and electron microscopy and tensile samples were taken from the runner of a cast part. Parts were compared against samples that were cast using conventional high-pressure die-casting. The results indicate that liquidus casting is a viable alternative for producing thixocast billets.