I am doing a research on the investigation of semisolid metal flow inside forming die during thixoforming operation. Hence, I would like to know the processing parameters and it's effect during thixoforming operation.
Heating step is of first importance in thixoforming as the slug temperature and its homogeneity manages the deformation behavior.
Forming load is also highly repeatable as long as the flow is kept laminar by controlling speed and slug temperature.
Sensitivity of the forming step to its main parameters (slug and tool temperature and forming speed) is quite high and depends on the part geometry. Nevertheless, in the range of variation expected in industrial production, the load and parts quality variation is low enough.
A quite simple theological model could correctly simulate the semi-solid steel behavior as long as its liquid fraction is kept low.