The SEED technology: A new generation in Rheocasting

Abstract

Permanent mould casting may be regarded as a near net shape manufacturing process where simple to very complex shaped engineering components are fabricated with high degree of precision in a metallic mould. In this group High Pressure Die Casting, HPDC, have attracted more attention because of its production rate, where both liquid and semisolid material (SSM) can be cast with a great degree of precision and versatility. In the HPDC of SSM processing, new process is described. The SEED process, Swirled Enthalpy Equilibration Device, consists of two steps: The initial step involves extracting specified amount of heat from the molten metal to generate liquid-solid slurry, i.e. mushy structure, followed by drainage of remaining liquid to produce a compact feedstock for rheocasting operation. In this paper microstructural evolution during the process and some initial casting result of automotive components also reported.