Mechanical Study of Thixoforming Magnesium Parts

Nowadays the use of magnesium automotive engineering has become an essential way for weight reduction. The change from conventional materials, such as zinc alloys, to lighter weight materials, such as magnesium alloys, is realizable at commercially competitive rates. This requires lightweight solutions, optimized design and advanced manufacturing processes. The goal of this study is to validate the thixocasting process for a part of a wiper system.

This paper summarizes the first mechanical tests carried out on a wiper part in AZ91 magnesium alloy by thixocasting and traditional casting process. The semi-solid die casting process enables to improve the mechanical behavior. To explain these results, the effects of microstructure on thermal properties are investigated and microstructural examination is also performed using optical microscope and scanning electronic microscope (SEM).