Squeeze casting of light alloys and their composites

Squeeze casting is the term used commonly to describe processes in which liquid metal is solidified under the action of a relatively high external pressure. The fundamentals of the process have been known for decades, the process having been used in Russia for more than 50 years. However, it is only recently that squeeze casting has been commercialised in the West to produce high-quality engineering components with, and without, reinforcements. This article reviews aspects of recent progress in the development of current squeeze-casting techniques, and addresses both the merits and limitations of the various processes. The relationships between the microstructure and mechanical properties of some squeeze-cast light alloys, as well as their metal-matrix composite (MMC) counterparts, are presented, and the distinguished advantage of being able to directly squeeze cast high-strength aerospace wrought alloys, thus replacing forgings by casting, is highlighted.