Effects of processing parameters on thixoformability and defects of AZ91D

The thixoformability and defect formation of AZ91D magnesium alloy are studied with different processing parameters including reheating temperature, time and die temperature. The results indicated that the suitable processing parameters should be reheating temperature between 575-595 degrees C, reheating time more than 75 min, and die temperature over 275 degrees C. Four types of defects, coldshut, liquid segregation, microporosity and cracks, have been observed in the thixoformed products if the processing parameters are not controlled properly. Among these defects, microporosity and cracks are always dominant.