Abstract
In order to demonstrate the superiority of granular grain structure for thixocasting materials, semisolid samples with granular and dendrite structures were cast into a permanent mold by a punch. The test piece consisting of granular crystals revealed that the punch power was less than 1 kN until three quarters of the casting process. In contrast, the structure consisting of dendrite crystals revealed that the punch power was greater than 8 kN until one quarter of the casting process, and the power increased as the casting process proceeded. Granular grains of primary α aluminum surrounded by liquid phase could be easily moved into the die cavity, since the liquid phase acted as a lubricant. However, with test piece consisting of dendrite crystals, the liquid phase only moved at the first stage and the deformation resistance increased.
