Processing of metal alloys in a semi-solid state

A process for forming an article, the process including

• locating a container containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy in a passage in front of a plunger or piston arranged to travel relative to the passage to force the charge of semi-solid metal alloy into a desired shape, the container having a first opening proximal the plunger and a second opening remote from the first opening and including a displaceable closure member closing said first opening, the displaceable closure member being configured to be displaceable along an interior volume of the container from the first opening closed by the closure member towards the second opening;
• and
• displacing the charge of semi-solid metal alloy from the container and aiming it into the desired shape by causing relative travel between the plunger and the passage, displacing the charge of semi-solid metal alloy including pushing the closure member with the plunger to displace the closure member and the charge of semi-solid metal alloy along the interior volume of the container from the first opening to the second opening and out through the second opening of the container.