Effects of Pre‐Processing on Thixoformability of Steel Grade 100Cr6

Thixoforming is a new manufacturing technology which has been widely investigated for aluminium alloys. The thixoformability of steel and especially the impact of different pre‐processing is subject of this paper. For the thixoforming process it is of special interest to obtain the required fraction liquid content between 20 and 40%, a globulitic microstructure and low process temperatures. Therefore, steel primary material from three different processing routes was compared. The primary materials are rolled bars, laboratory cast billets and laboratory cast billets with liquid core reduction. The melting behaviour of the different materials was investigated by using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Furthermore the materials were reheated into the solid‐liquid range and quenched to monitor the development of the microstructure. No significant differences between the three different pre‐processing routes could be determined with regard to thixoforming. Thus it seems possible to start thixoforming with as‐cast primary material.     

Semi‐Solid Rheoforging of Steel

To produce steel components with complex shapes excessive machining is necessary frequently since high pressure die casting of steel is not industrially applied. Forming steel in the semi‐solid state can in principle produce new components and geometries which cannot be realised by conventional closed die forging. Semi‐solid forging of steel combines the possibility of producing geometries not conventionally forgeable in one forming operation and of adding further functions during the same operation. In previous investigations on thixoforming of steels, the semi‐solid steel was generated by reheating precursor material billets. An alternative approach for generating semi‐solid steel from the liquid state with subsequent forging operation is presented in this paper for the first time. The steel grades X210CrW12 cold work tool steel and 100Cr6 bearing steel are molten and driven into a globular semi‐solid state using a cooling slope and a cup. By cooling the steel into the semi‐solid range instead of heating it, the required process temperatures are lower than in the process route via heating. Therefore, the load on the dies in a semi‐solid forging operation is decreased. Suggestions for the respective layout of the process are made for both steel grades. Future potentials and challenges to be solved are discussed, showing advantages especially in the field of high melting point alloys such as steels. This technique enables to produce pre‐shaped semi‐solid billets to optimise the materials flow and the homogeneity of the mechanical properties.     

Experimental Investigations and Computer Simulation of the Liquid Fraction Evolution during the Solidification of Alloys Suitable for Semi‐Solid Processing

One important parameter for the processing of materials by semi‐solid forming is the actual distribution of the solid and liquid phases in the semi‐solid range. This parameter defines the process stability for the forming step. Therefore it is necessary to obtain information about the materials behaviour in the semi‐solid state for different materials grades. This kind of information can be obtained by experimental studies in the interesting temperature range or by calculations with simulation programs using thermodynamic data validated by experiments. This work shows the results of experimental studies and thermodynamic calculations of the solidification and heat treatment behaviour of the aluminium alloy A319 and the steel X210CrW12. The experimental studies of solidification and heat treatment of these alloys were carried out using a differential thermal analysis system (DTA). The theoretical fraction of liquid content was calculated from the DTA signal by using a software module called Corrdsc. The experimental data obtained were used to validate the thermodynamic simulations of the solidification of semi‐solid alloys. The simulations of the solidification process were carried out for equilibrium conditions, with the Scheil‐Gulliver model as well as with diffusion calculations. The equilibrium and Scheil‐Gulliver calculations were performed by the program Thermo‐Calc, and the diffusion by the program DICTRA. The required thermodynamic and mobility data for multicomponent systems were taken from the data bases COST 507 light alloys, TCFE2000 Steel/Alloys and MOB2 mobility and from newly added data. The comparison of calculated phase transformations and fractions of liquid content with experimental data revealed a good agreement.     

Micro Semi‐solid Manufacturing ‐ A New Technological Approach towards Miniaturisation

One of the most important prerequisites to meet the increasing demand for efficient technologies for micro‐part production is constituted by the ability to overcome existing process limitations by new innovative technological approaches. By the introduction of a new process variant based on a hybrid material condition between solid and liquid state, such an approach is presented. This micro semi‐solid manufacturing technology, so‐called Micro‐Thixoforming, was initiated, on the one hand, by being aware of the technological limits of existing micro‐forming and micro‐casting processes and, on the other hand, by a comprehensive understanding of the special rheological mechanisms of metallic materials in semi‐solid state finally establishing the desired potential to follow the trend towards miniaturisation with drastically reduced process restrictions. However, this promising potential can only be successfully exploited when the initial idea, which is based on phenomenological considerations, can be transferred to a process technology with sufficient practical relevance. Therefore, the presented new integrated process concept for Micro‐Thixoforming is particularly characterised by the application of unconventional solutions for the main process steps: raw material conditioning, thermal pre‐processing, semi‐solid forming and thermal post‐processing. To give an indication of the innovative character of the chosen practical solutions liquid metal jet technology, LASER‐induced plasma shockwaves and high pressure water jet should be mentioned. However, what is even more important in this context is the ability not only to realise a process concept but, beyond that, to recognise the further potential regarding new strategies for material design arising from the availability of this process. Such a strategy e.g. consists of utilising the well‐known segregation effect, which notably often is negatively associated with semi‐solid forming. However, for the envisaged technological approach, controlled segregation aims at a defined adjustment of functionally graded properties for the produced micro part.     

DTA‐Measurements to Determine the Thixoformability of Steels

Semi‐solid metallurgy (SSM), also known as “thixoforming” or “thixoprocessing”, is of special interest as a new potential manufacturing technology for components in the automobile, machine and electronic industries. The aim of this technology is to produce complex shapes which cannot be produced with conventional processing methods. An important process step of semi‐solid processing (SSP) is the reheating and isothermal holding of the billet within the solid‐liquid range in order to obtain the required fraction liquid content and the desired globular microstructure. Aside from the investigation of billet heating and the development of a suitable tool design, the development and evaluation of adequate microstructures over a wide temperature area is very important. The focus of this paper is to determine the semi‐solid area of different steels through Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) measurements. To determine a process window for handling the alloys in the semi‐solid state, the DTA‐results can be combined with microstructure parameters. Subsequent quenching experiments show the development of the microstructure parameters (e.g. grain size, phase distribution, volume fraction, shape factor, matrix character, contiguity, and particle density of the primary solid and liquid phases). A comparison of the slopes of the determined solid‐liquid areas for different steels show the width of the melting or freezing intervals to evaluate the possible process windows. DTA‐experiments performed at different heating rates show the influence of faster heating and cooling rates on the solidus‐liquidus interval. To evaluate the suitability for the thixoforming processes, this paper describes, and then compares, the semi‐solid intervals of different steel grades, which have been investigated in the Department of Ferrous Metallurgy at the RWTH Aachen University. The tool steel HS 6‐5‐3 and the cold work tool steel X210CrW12 have a wide semi‐solid area, which can be explained due to the dissolution of different carbides. In contrast to this, the steels C45, 42CrMo4, 16MnCr5, 34CrNiMo4, 100Cr6, X220CrVMo13‐4 and the Alloy 33 show a much smaller semi‐solid area.     

Two‐Phase Simulations as a Development Tool for Thixoforming Processes

Semi‐solid metal alloys are employed in Thixoforming processes. In the mushy state alloys, consisting of spherical solid particles suspended in a liquid matrix, show shear thinning thixotropic behaviour and exhibit a yield stress. Beyond this the flow behaviour is influenced by the solid fraction, which is dependent on the slurry temperature. Due to the complex flow behaviour of metallic suspensions new concepts of die and process design are required to guarantee a reproducible high quality of the produced parts. To this end a non‐isothermal two‐phase model has been developed and implemented into a proprietary developed FEM software. The model bases on a modified Herschel‐Bulkley approach and comprises the entire non‐Newtonian behaviour of semi‐solid alloys. A specially designed die filling experiment is used to validate the numerical simulation. The experimental set‐up allows to observe the moving flow front during die filling and to measure the pressure. The filling experiments are carried out with various filling velocities and die temperatures.     

Microstructural Development of HP9/4/30 Steel During Partial Remelting

Semi‐solid processing, also known as thixoforming, is a forming process that shapes metal components in their semi‐solid state. Prior to forming, the microstructure of the alloy consists preferably of solid metal spheroids in a liquid matrix. This paper describes the microstructural development within the semi‐solid zone of a typically banded high performance HP9/4/30 steel through a direct partial remelting process from as‐received and as‐deformed conditions. Partial remelting was carried out at temperatures between 1430 and 1470°C. Liquation occurred initially at the grain boundaries, then also along the segregation bands. With increasing time and hold temperature, these “columns” broke down into shorter, more equiaxed segments, offering a better chance of being thixoformed. The microstructures revealed distinct polygonal cells at 1430°C that changed to more rounded solid grains with diminishing sharp edges at 1450°C, followed by smaller truncated cell structures due to the liquation of the bands at 1460°C and 1470°C. The partial remelting procedures carried out in this study are from material that is in a recrystallised state. Thixoforming from this recrystallised state is shown to be successful. This indicates a widening of the range of potential routes to thixoformable microstructures.     

Semi‐Solid Processing of Metal Alloys

Semi‐solid metal casting is an innovative technology for the production of near‐net‐shape parts with demanding mechanical properties. The paper describes different processing routes and materials for semi‐solid‐metal casting (SSM), which have been investigated and also partially developed at the Foundry‐Institute of Aachen University. The standard thixocasting process for aluminium, highly reactive magnesium alloys and steel alloys with high melting points was investigated under variation of a wide range of process parameters. Specially adapted pre‐material production and reheating methods were developed for different materials and their application and future potential is pointed out. The thixocasting experiments were executed on a modified high pressure die‐casting machine with a specially designed “step‐die” providing wall thicknesses from 0.5 to 25 mm. The mechanical properties were tested in dependence of the wall thickness and the metal velocity. The results of these examination show high tensile strength values in combination with very good elongations. The rheocasting process is a new SSM‐forming method with liquid melt as feed‐stock and a high recycling potential. The research results of RCP‐technology (Rheo‐Container‐Process) invented at the Foundry‐Institute and of the Cooling‐Channel‐Process for aluminium and magnesium alloys are promising and are presented in this paper. Studies on semi‐solid processing of magnesium alloys and mixtures of them were conducted by Thixomolding^TM. To establish the most adequate process parameters, the temperature and the mixture relations were varied. Using a mould for tensile test specimens, the mechanical properties and the microstructure evolution could be evaluated. The chemical composition of the different phases was determined using SEM and EDX technologies. Evaluations of the flowing properties were conducted using a spiral mould with a total length of 2m and a cross section of 20mm x 1.5mm.     

A CrNiCo Alloy as a Potential Tool Material in Semi‐solid Processing of Steels

Semisolid processing of aluminium and magnesium alloys has matured to become a well established manufacturing route for the production of intricate, thin‐walled parts with mechanical properties as good as forged grades. However, this innovative forming technology faces a major challenge in the case of steels. The tool materials must withstand the complex load profile and relatively higher forming temperatures which promote chemical interaction with steel slurries. Thixoforming tools ought to last thousands of forming cycles for industrial application to be attractive. Hot work tool steel dies proved to be entirely inadequate when thixoforming steels. In spite of extensive research on tool materials for the semisolid processing of steels, there is yet no material to fulfil this critical role. The present work was undertaken to explore the potential of a novel CrNiCo alloy as the tooling material in semisolid processing of steel.     

Casting of High Alloy Steels in the Mushy State

In order to broaden the field of application for the innovative thixocasting process, much research is dedicated to the thixocasting of high melting point alloys. The wide property range of modern high alloy steels combined with the productive semi‐solid die casting process opens up new fields of application. The Foundry Institute of the Aachen University has therefore been concentrating on the research of the possibilities and limits of high pressure die casting of high alloy steels in the semi‐solid state. This paper gives an overview of the current work dedicated to thixocasting of steel alloys by a high pressure die casting machine at the Foundry‐Institute of the Aachen University of Technology. In order to understand and describe the material properties in the semi‐solid state, basic test specimens have been investigated. Weak points of tool preheating as well as directional solidification of the produced parts can be controlled by numerical simulation of the temperature distribution inside the dies. In consideration of the outstanding flow properties of semi‐solid steels more complex geometries with accurately defined applications are now being investigated. Extensive metallographical analyses of the pre‐material, the reheated billets and the produced parts have been done to evaluate the viability of the process. The mechanical properties of the specimens outline the outstanding potential of the thixocasting process.     

A study on solutions for avoiding liquid segregation phenomena in thixoforming process: Part II. Net shape manufacturing of automotive scroll component

The most important problem regarding the thixoforming process is the prevention of the liquid segregation phenomena during deformation. Since the liquid is of eutectic composition in materials, the liquid segregation will result in significant or undesirable situation. In this work, thus, the thixoforming experiments with a die designed to fabricate a net shape scroll component using semisolid aluminum alloys were carried out successfully. The die filling patterns of semisolid materials (SSMs) by varying the process parameters, such as die temperature and pressing force, have been investigated. The hardness and wear resistance of the thixoformed scroll product were evaluated in terms of both rheological and microstructural points of view. Two key features of the solutions that need to avoid the liquid segregation in the thixoforming process are the following. (1) It was concluded that to improve the thixoformability and to reduce the possibility of defects, the liquid segregation should be controlled as the multistage variation of the pressing velocity during forming. (2) In addition, the ability to model the material flow characteristics, including the solid/liquid segregation during die filling, will be required. This modeling technology is currently under development.     

Theoretical and Experimental Damage Prediction in Cold and Semi‐Hot Bulk Forming of Ductile Steels

Bulk forging is among the most important manufacturing methods in metal forming, due to its wide applicability from some ounces to several tons of steel in a high diversity of shapes and forming conditions. Economical constraints demand for further optimisation and cost‐effective production. This requires the application of suitable finite elements simulation software, in order to support the already digitalised construction processes. Ductile damage is one of the most severe problems to arise during the production sequences, not only in cold but also in semi‐hot forging operations. Mathematical approaches exist for the modelling and simulation of ductile fracture in steel. In this paper some widespread used damage models are introduced and discussed. Their damage prediction quality has been verified by experiments, the tensile test and the collar specimen upsetting with several different steels under cold and semi‐hot forging conditions. The methods for the experimental fracture detection are introduced as well. In cold forging the passive ultrasonic testing with integrated statistical filtering algorithms is used. As this method is not applicable to semi‐hot forging experiments, optical fracture detection by means of a high‐speed camera is used instead. A very interesting material behaviour of the steels tested has been identified in the semi‐hot upsetting of collar specimen. For every steel a distinct temperature crossover interval exists, in which the forging process abruptly changes from damaged to undamaged state. This interval amounts to some degrees Celsius only for each of the seven materials investigated. Among the damage models proposed, the Model of Effective Stresses by Lemaitre is chosen for the application to a cold and a semi‐hot forging operation. These industrial processes of an axle end (cold) and a journal bearing (semi‐hot) are susceptible to damage for reasons to be discussed in this paper. It will be shown that the internal fracture of the axle end (chevrons) and the surface fissures of the journal bearing can be predicted with high accuracy. Moreover, the application of the damage model in the finite element software MSC.SuperForm 2004 offers a promising approach for process optimisation. Several possibilities could be tested for their suitability of reducing the calculated damage: geometry variation of the forming tools, process annealing, different materials. The use of damage models in finite element simulation can be regarded as a further step towards an optimal process design.     

Structural Morphologies and Deformaiton Characteristics of Semi‐solid Type 304 Stainless Steel during Solidificaiton and Remelting

Microstructural evolutions of type 304 stainless steel and the related mechanical property of flow stress in semi‐solid state are investigated. The evolutions of microstructure during solidification, partial remelting of a hot‐rolled billet and partial remelting of a cast billet are compared with respect to structural morphologies in the semi‐solid state. Various structural morphologies, such as the linear and multilayered liquid/austenite/δ‐ferrite structure, globular liquid/δ‐ferrite structure and dendrite structure, are characterized using optical micrographs and an EPMA (electron probe microanalyzer). The various structural morphologies in the semi‐solid state are influenced not only by the phase transformation but also by the previous treatment of type 304 steel, such as hot rolling and casting. Furthermore, a series of hot compression tests are conducted for various combinations of deformation rate and deformation temperature in the semi‐solid state, to measure the flow stress and the change in microstructure resulting from plastic deformation. Flow stress, phase segregation, microfracture and distortion of solid particles during and after the hot compression test are strongly affected by the structural morphology in the semi‐solid state, such as the dendrite structure, nonglobular structure and globular structure. Semi‐solid type 304 stainless steel with dendrite structure exhibits the highest flow stress, which is about three times that of steel with globular structure, although the testing temperature and deformation rate are controlled to be the same. This is a result of the higher bonding force between solid particles and lower fluidity of the liquid phase of the dendrite structure than those of the globular structure, which exhibits excellent fluidity of the liquid phase and rotation of solid particles.     

Advanced Processing and Properties of Thixotropic Formed Components Based on Partially Melted Magnesium

Contrary to the manufacture of aluminium components in the semi‐solid, thixotropic state the production of magnesium based components by semi‐solid techniques is still uncommon. For this reason, the advantage of this production method is analysed with regard to the commercial magnesium alloy AZ80. The objective of this research is semi‐solid‐casting (SSC) of AZ80 for the production of a light weight component in near‐net‐shape quality and with advanced properties. Using extruded primary feedstock material, the behaviour and the advantages are investigated. Billets with a weight of up to 2 kg are heated up into a semi‐solid state. To avoid any risk of self‐ignition of the material an automatic, temperature controlled induction heating system is used. To achieve an optimum homogeneous grain structure the induction heating power is varied making use of a process control system based on power‐time‐curves. The heated billets are transported in the soft semi‐solid condition from the induction heating system to a die casting machine to produce components with wall thickness’ between 2 and 10 mm. After forming of the components, the influence of heat treatment on the grain structure and especially on the mechanical properties is determined to provide parts with optimised characteristics. To compare the properties of the special globular grain and microstructure, the results of various static and dynamic tests are analysed. It is found that components can be manufactured with a magnesium alloy in a thixotropic state in near‐net‐shape quality, with low porosity and with excellent mechanical properties like elongation of up to 15%.     

The Influence of Isothermal Semi‐solid Processing on Microstructure,Hardness and Young's Modulus of a Hypoeutectic Chromium Steel

Steel billets of the hypoeutectic chromium steel X210CrW12 (material number 1.2436, AISI D6) are reheated into the semi‐solid state and isothermally extruded using a ceramic extrusion tool at low process forces. Extruded bars show good microstructural as well as chemical homogeneity. Nanoindenter measurements of untreated and extruded samples prove that hardness and Young's modulus are increased after semi‐solid extrusion. Hardness values are retained after annealing, while Young's modulus drops back to the initial value of untreated X210CrW12. Results are consistent with metallurgical investigations on phase formation and mechanical properties of X210CrW12 processed in the semi‐solid state. Thus, the viability of isothermal processing and the underlying tool concept is demonstrated in terms of work piece quality. The suitability of X210CrW12 for semi‐solid processing and the potential improvement of mechanical properties are validated.     

Characterization of Steel Thixoforming Tool Materials by High Temperature Compression Tests

The experimental set‐up and the results of high temperature compression tests for the characterization of tool materials for steel thixoforming are presented. The scope of this test is to reproduce the load profile of steel thixoforming processes consisting of mechanical, thermal, tribological, and chemical components on the forming mould. Tool materials were chosen following a concept within the Collaborative Research Center ‐ SFB 289 ‐ “Forming of metals in the semi‐solid state and their properties”. Three materials groups are distinguished: thin film deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (PACVD), thick coatings (thermal spraying), and bulk ceramic materials. Samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The results show varying resistance of the tool materials concerning the load profile. In order to provide an appropriate tool solution for the thixoforming of steels, different load profiles within the forming moulds are identified and the corresponding tool part is made from that material with the best performance.     

Thixocasting Steel Hand Tools using Al2O3‐coated Steel and Molybdenum Dies

Forging is state‐of‐the‐art for producing hand tools on an industrial scale. Due to high demands on the stiffness and the fracture toughness, high‐strength forging steels are used to provide cavity‐free components with high mechanical load capacity. Moreover, forging is a cost‐effective mass production process but, in spite of all its advantages, it has its limitations, e.g. in the freedom of designs. However, because of the extreme thermal loading (particularly with regard to permanent moulds) and the frequently unavoidable casting defects, hand tools are not cast. By means of thixocasting steel, technical difficulties can be reduced and new options are provided which allow the manufacturing of components with much higher complexity than that using forging. Through near‐net shape production, manufacturing steps and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, steels, which are difficult to forge but nonetheless have high potential for specific applications (such as high strength or corrosion resistant steels), can also be processed. In cooperation with industrial partners, X39CrMo17 stainless steel size 17 combination spanners were thixocast. Forming dies were designed and optimized by simulation, the hot forming X38CrMoV5 tool steel as well as the molybdenum alloy TZM were selected as the tool alloys. The dies were treated by a plasma nitriding process and subsequently coated with crystalline Al₂O₃ protective coatings by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). During the experiments, combination spanners were successfully cast in the semi‐solid state. Cast parts were heat‐treated to enhance the components' toughness, which was subsequently measured by Charpy impact and tensile tests.     

Peter Groche

Tube hydroforming (THF) is a relatively new but established technology among metal tube forming processes. It is the technology of forming closed sections, hollow parts with different cross‐sections by applying an internal hydraulic pressure and sometimes additional axial compressive loads to force a tubular blank to conform to the shape of a given die cavity. Material properties have a significant influence on the process stability. Often roll‐formed, non‐heat treated tubular materials made of steel with longitudinally oriented welding lines are used in tube hydroforming. Different production processes involve a change of the material properties from the initial flat sheet to the hydroformable tube. Testing methods such as tensile tests and conventional forming limit diagrams do not accurately reflect the state of stress and strain conditions seen in the tubular blank during the hydroforming process. Thus, inaccuracies in FEA predictions and design failures occur. Test methods were developed to characterize the relevant geometrical and mechanical properties of tubular semi‐finished products.     

Model Tests and Analysis of Corrosion Resistance of Ceramic Tool Dies for Steel Thixoforming

Contact corrosion and cyclic melt corrosion test results of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramics in contact with semi‐solid and molten steel alloys are analysed in view of steel thixoforming applications. Corrosion effects are identified and model tests are evaluated by comparison of corrosive attack on steel thixoforming dies in application‐relevant forming experiments. The performed corrosion experiments show that a reaction zone of up to 20 μm thickness forms on the ceramic in model tests and forming experiments, respectively. Si₃N₄ ceramics reveal sufficient corrosion resistance in small‐scale forming series. Results show good agreement of contact corrosion tests with thixoforming experiments. Comparability of cyclic melt corrosion tests with thixoforming applications is limited by the casting powder used to prevent oxidation of steel melt.