AN ADVANCED MELT INFILTRATION PROCESS FOR THE NET SHAPE PRODUCTION OFMETAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Fiber-reinforced light metals receive considerable interest in the aut omotive industry. The mass-produced components are manufactured by squ eeze casting. An alternative process is presented which is termed High Pressure Infiltration Casting. The new process is expected to have ad vantages in certain cases, e.g. for low volume production, intricate s hapes, and low heat capacity matrix metals. First results for the magn esium alloy MSR reinforced with 20 vol.% Saffil short fiber are presen ted which demonstrate that mechanical properties equivalent to squeeze casting can be achieved with the new process.