Thixoforming of an automotive part in A390 hypereutectic Al–Si alloy

Hypereutectic aluminium–silicon alloys offer the possibility of an in situ natural composite (the silicon acting as the reinforcing phase) with properties that make them attractive for a number of automotive applications. However, conventional casting techniques result in excessive growth of the silicon particles in the melt, which adversely affect the mechanical properties. Thixoforming allows hypereutectic Al–Si alloys containing 40–50% fraction liquid to be shaped into complex near net shape components, whilst keeping the silicon particle size quite fine. This paper describes the development of a series of hypereutectic alloys based on the A390 composition (17%Si, 5%Cu, 0.5%Mg), their thixoforming, their resulting microstructures and mechanical properties. Finally the thixoforming of an automotive component using an A390 alloy is also described.