4. Parts involved. Outlook and conclusion

Semi-solid shaping has been in the industrial production phase for some years now.

• This industrial production, in the case of aluminium alloys, is justified by the main characteristics of the process:

  • highly compact parts ;

  • excellent mechanical properties ;

  • dimensional accuracy of parts and the ability to produce thin sections;

  • surface finishes comparable to those used in die-casting;

  • high production rates.

  Taken together, these factors mean that the...