Rising Research in Continuous Casting of Semi-Solid Metals to Develop Innovative Materials
The technology of Continuous Casting of Semi-Solid metals (CCSSM) has been around for quite some time now, even though its research and development, application and industry acceptance is still relatively new and in its infancy. This applied research is becoming a popular way to develop innovative materials, as it can be used to put together alloys that were not achievable through regular casting or forging methods. As research has progressed in this field and industry acceptance increased, there has been a rise in research as to how various processes may be improved and different materials may be manufactured.
The fundamental elements of CCSSM are the ability to form a semi-solid material (SSM) out of a liquid. This is achieved through forcing the liquid to cool while simultaneously subjecting it to high shear forces. Once the liquid has cooled and become semi-solid, it is then forced through a die that is used to shape the end product. The material is then collected, ready for its desired application. The semi-solid state of the material gives it certain advantages, such as allowing for uniform grain structure, better surface finish and increased formability. These characteristics make SSM materials ideal for producing components for high-performance applications, such as those for automobiles and aerospace.
Recently, researchers have been looking into ways to further improve the CCSSM process by optimizing the parameters that impact the process, such as thermo-mechanical strain, and applying methods such as friction stir welding and laser cladding to manipulate and enhance the microstructure and properties of the end product.
In addition to improving the process itself, researchers have also been looking into the potential of utilizing the process to develop alloys that are not normally achievable through other means. By manipulating the properties of the semi-solid material, such as its viscosity, thermal diffusivity and solid fraction, researchers have been able to develop materials with unique properties not seen in other materials. For instance, researchers have been able to develop lead-free alloys for applications such as automotive components, as well as materials with improved strength and/or toughness for structural components.
The development of these new materials, along with the optimization of the process, is allowing the continuous casting of semi-solid metals to become a more viable option for industry applications. This is in part due to the reduced costs that the process enables, its improved formability, surface finish and uniform grain structure. As such, there is an increasing demand for this technology, as more and more companies are looking to take advantage of its benefits and to create materials that they would otherwise not be able to.
As the technology continues to develop, more applications are sure to arise, as well as further improvements to the process and the materials that can be created through it. All of this further cements the fact that continuous casting of semi-solid metals is an important technology that has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
