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Apparatus and method for mixing, agitating and transporting molten or semi-solid metal-matrix composite materials

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-08-05
WITHERS GRAHAM REX
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  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

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Benefits of technology

[0031]providing at least one component secured to and located within the casing that modifies the flow of the slurry. For example, flow may be induced and the flow pattern modified to control, prevent or limit the growth of dendritic solid particles within the slurry. The temperature of the slurry within the casing may be controlled by passing a fluid coolant through a coolant jacket surrounding the casing.

Problems solved by technology

Thixomat machines are therefore subject to substantial wear of the auger.
Attack by the slurry (e.g. where it contains aluminum) can exacerbate the wear problem.
The net result is patterns of induced metal movement within the mold that are more complex than for example those produced by simple rotating fields.

Method used

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  • Apparatus and method for mixing, agitating and transporting molten or semi-solid metal-matrix composite materials
  • Apparatus and method for mixing, agitating and transporting molten or semi-solid metal-matrix composite materials
  • Apparatus and method for mixing, agitating and transporting molten or semi-solid metal-matrix composite materials

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[0047]FIGS. 1 and 2 are process flow charts illustrating potential applications for the invention disclosed herein. FIG. 1 shows steps in the processes known as “thixocasting” and “rheocasting”, as described and distinguished from each other in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,160, which is incorporated here by reference. In each of these processes, a metal alloy is first melted in known manner (Step 1), often under a controlled atmosphere. At this point, the alloy liquid is at a temperature above its liquidus temperature.

[0048]In step 2 (“condition and hold”), the melt is cooled below its liquidus temperature and above its solidus temperature and vigorously agitated. Due to cooling, dendritic solid particles begin to nucleate and grow. In the absence of sufficient agitation of the melt, these would progressively link, with the mixture progressively increasing in viscosity and in due course solidifying. The effect of agitation is to modify the microstructure of the solidifying all...

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Abstract

An apparatus 2 and method for mixing, agitating and transporting a slurry of molten or semi-solid metal or metal-matrix composite material including a casing 1 for containment of the slurry. An electrical conductor means 10 applies to the slurry a moving magnetic field to induce flow thereof. A component 7,8 is secured and located within the casing to modify the flow pattern of the slurry induced by the moving magnetic field.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention described herein relates to a method and apparatus for processing and pumping a slurry of molten or semi-solid metals or alloys or metal-matrix composite (MMC) materials, and to the blending of additives for the preparation of MMCs, all with particular reference to die casting and like processes.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Many consumer items and much industrial equipment contain components manufactured by some form of casting, such as sand casting, die casting, so-called thixocasting and the like. Such processes involve the solidification in a mold or die of a molten or semi-molten pure metal, metal alloy or metal-containing composite material.[0005]Various approaches have been taken to providing the agitation required to form and maintain thixotropic slurries. In the “Thixomat” process described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,589 (Bradley et al), shearing and agitation of a slurry is by way of rotation of a rot...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B22D17/00B22D11/115B22D27/02
CPCB22D27/02B22D17/007
Inventor WITHERS, GRAHAM REX
Owner WITHERS GRAHAM REX
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