Semisolid Processing of Magnesium Alloys: Progress and Limitations

Abstract

An application of semisolid processing to magnesium alloys is described, emphasizing both the fundamental aspects and up-to-date successful industrial applications. The key advantages of the semisolid route are discussed, including longer tool life, tighter dimensional tolerances and better process consistency. The particular attention is paid to reduced temperature of semisolid processing, providing common benefits for magnesium alloys due to their high affinity to oxygen, requiring an expensive protection and leading otherwise to ignition and burning. Major microstructural factors controlling properties of magnesium alloys after semisolid processing are considered. It is concluded that although the reduced temperature results in higher part integrity, it does not create beneficial microstructural characteristics converting to substantially improved mechanical properties.