Thixoforming is another word for Semi-Solid-Metalforming (SSM) which means that metal will be formed between solid and liquid temperature. In this state the material behavior is thixotropic. Aluminum alloys can be formed in this thixotropic state when 30 to 40% of the material is liquid. In this case it is possible to form the aluminum in a process that is located between the die-casting and the forging technology.
The thixoforming process allows it to produce Near Net Shape aluminum-parts with high quality for the automotive industry. This paper is intended to give the reader some examples about and some insights into the possible applications of the thixoforming process.