Squeeze casting of magnesium alloys and their composites

Squeeze casting, also known as liquid metal forging, extrusion casting and pressure crystallization, is a process in which molten metal soldifies in a die under an applied high pressure. The concept of squeeze casting was invented in Russia over 100 years ago. Later the process was exploited in North America, Japan and Europe to produce various automotive components. With the rapid expansion of magnesium applications in the automotive industry, the development of squeeze-casting technology for magnesium alloys and their composites has been motivated by incentives to produce high-quality components. The present paper reviews recent progress in squeeze casting, and the effects of process variables on the cast structure and properties of magnesium alloys and magnesium-based composites. Approaches to optimization of the squeeze-casting process are discussed. The significant advantages of squeeze-cast magnesium alloys and magnesium-based composites are highlighted. The on-going research work at ITM is presented. (C) 1998 Chapman & Hall.