한국주조공학회

Effects of process parameters during thixocasting, such as solid volume fraction, mold temperature and extrusion ratio, on the mold filling behaviour and fluidity of Mg alloy(AZ91D) have been investigated. The semi-solid ingot held for 60 minutes at the semi-solid temperature range did not contain the equilibrium volume fraction of solid as expected from the phase diagram. Therefore, in order to obtain the desired solid fractions, and to suppress the exaggerated grain growth during heating, it was required to heat the ingot rapidly up to the temperature 10℃ higher than the semi- solid temperature suggested from the phase diagram for a specific volume fraction of solid. The experimental results show that mold filling behaviour and fluidity can be improved with the use of the higher mold temperature and the lower volume fraction of solid, but remain nearly unaffected by the change of extrusion ratio.