APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A METALLIC SLURRY MATERIAL FOR USE IN SEMI-SOLID FORMING OF SHAPED PARTS

摘要

An apparatus (200) for producing a metallic slurry material for use in semi-solid forming of a shaped part. The apparatus (200) is generally comprised ofa forming vessel (202) and a thermal jacket (204). The forming vessel (202)defines an inner volume (V) for containing the metallic slurry material andhas an outer surface (222). The thermal jacket (204) has an inner surface(252) disposed in thermal communication with the outer surface (222) of theforming vessel (202) to effectuate heat transfer therebetween. At least one ofthe forming vessel (202) and the thermal jacket (204) defines a number ofgrooves (224a-224e) to limit the rate of heat transfer adjacent the grooves(224a-224e). In one embodiment, the forming vessel (202) defines a pluralityof axially-offset grooves (224a-224e) extending about the entire periphery ofthe outer surface (222) of the forming vessel (202). In another embodiment, astator (206) is disposed about the thermal jacket (204) to impart anelectromagnetic stirring force to the metallic slurry material containedwithin the forming vessel (202).