Process for shaping metal materials in a semi-solid state

A process for shaping an aluminum alloy in a semi-solid state comprising:

• a) preparing a blank of a thixotropic aluminum alloy material which corresponds in weight to the aluminum alloy to be used in each production cycle in making a series of articles;
• b) reheating the blank to a semi-solid state to obtain a liquid fraction corresponding to a predetermined viscosity desired for said shaping, while determining power used in said reheating;
• c) transferring the reheated blank to a forging press including a forging stamp or to a pressure die casting machine including an injection plunger;
• d) determining the resistance of the material to the forging stamp or injection plunger, said resistance being defined as a set point value;
• e) shaping the blank by means of forging or pressure die casting;
• f) preparing a subsequent blank of said thixotropic aluminum alloy material, reheating said subsequent blank to a semi-solid state, transferring said reheated subsequent blank to said forging press or pressure die casting machine, measuring resistance of the material to the forging stamp or injection plunger and shaping said subsequent blank;
• and
• g) regulating the power used in reheating said subsequent blank to maintain said resistance at said set point value.