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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