Aluminium based components with enhanced characteristics through advanced squeeze casting process

The continuous increase of demand for light alloys in different applications involves manufacturing high integrity and superior performance components using cost-effective and safely processes. In this direction the research communities together with manufacturing industries are focusing their attention to develop new products using innovative procedures, i.e. semi-solid metal processing routes. The central issue is the technological transfer to industry for affordable mass production. Purpose of this paper is presenting an overview of alternative methods of production of enhanced performance light alloys components for critical areas. The origin, development and current evolution of the semi-solid metal processing is illustrated with characteristics of real life components for automotive industry. Different techniques are presented to provide a general idea prevalently on the commercially available semi-solid metal processing techniques. Comparison with traditional methods, in particular High and Low Pressure Die Casting technologies, in terms of process parameters and properties are illustrated and discussed.