Thermodynamic predictions of wrought alloy compositions amenable to semi-solid processing Original Research Article

Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) Processing or Thixoforming is now a commercially successful manufacturing route producing millions of near net-shape parts per annum for the automotive industry. Currently, effort is directed towards developing wrought performance alloys that are amenable to the thixoforming process. Here, the 7000 series Al–Zn–Mg–Cu system has been studied by means of thermodynamic modelling to identify those compositions likely to be most suitable. The non-equilibrium solidification has been determined by using the Scheil equation and the liquid fraction/temperature relationship obtained. The results show the effect of chemical composition and Zn/Mg ratio on the slope of the liquid fraction/temperature curves. As the Zn+Mg+Cu content increases and the Zn/Mg ratio decreases, the slopes of these curves become less steep. The effect of chemical composition, Zn/Mg ratio and temperature on equilibrium phases is also considered. The phases in equilibrium at a given temperature are strongly affected by the Zn/Mg ratio and Cu content.