At Vforge, we specialize in the semi-solid casting process known as thixocasting, which derives its name from the thixotropic nature of semi-solid metal alloys.
Thixotropy is a technical term applied to fluids of all shapes and sizes which become more fluid-like the more they are stirred. This is often referred to as “shear-thinning”.
At rest, a thixotropic fluid may be quite stiff and resilient, but with sufficient agitation, it can flow like soft-serve ice-cream. Commonly experienced thixotropic fluids would be ketchup, toothpaste, or yogurt, all of which can retain their shape and be quite stiff if undisturbed but can become quite fluid when shaken or stirred!
At Vforge, we utilize the thixotropic nature of our specially cast bars to make high-quality, highly dense parts for our customers. Firstly, because the bar material is thixotropic, it allows us to process the material though vertical induction heaters without the need for special containers like in other semi-solid casting processes. Our pre-cut slugs, which are calibrated to the required shot weight, remain as short cylinders all the way to a semi-solid state at which point they can be transferred as soft solids into our casting presses for injection. Once loaded into the press, the act of injection applies the “shear-thinning” that we need in order for the material to flow predictably into the mold cavities. This controlled process provides the many benefits of semi-solid metallurgy for our customers.
