Automated Semi-Solid Forging of Steel Components by Means of Thixojoining

Abstract

The thixoforming processes join the advantages of conventional forming technologies as forging and casting in respect of the mechanical properties and the practicable geometries. Within the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre 289 at the RWTH Aachen University intensive investigations on semi-solid processing with some steel grades have been running. For this purpose an automated thixoforging plant (thixo-cell) has been developed in a closed cooperation with several industrial partners. With this equipment multi material demonstrator components have been successfully produced by thixojoining using semi-solid X210CrW12 tool steel.