Thermomechanical Processing of Thixomolded Alloys

A wide variety of Mg alloys have been processed by Thixomolding (R) followed by thermomechanical processing (TMP)-to increase tensile, creep and fatigue strength, ductility and formability. These alloys encompass variations in Al, Zn, Ca, Mn, Sr, Y, Zr and Rare Earths (RE) in the Mg base. Due to the fine microstructure and low porosity rendered by Thixomolding, TMP has been feasible using high strain warm rolling and warm pressing. Thus, grain size is further reduced and texture can be moderated. Data is presented on the above alloys along with more extensive information on the commercial alloys AM60 and AZ61; but also the newly developed AZ70L-TH and AXJ810-TH alloys. In discussing the above processing, properties are related to microstructures.