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Near-net shape forming of semi-solid light
alloys
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CSIR
(Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) |
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Proposal number: |
32226 |
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Focal area: |
Value Addition |
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Total funding: |
R 6,800,000 |
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Funding year 1: |
R 2,550,000 |
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Funding year 2: |
R 1,950,000 |
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Funding year 3: |
R 2,300,000 |
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There is a strong growth trend in the use of aluminium
worldwide, fuelled by the demand in the automotive industry for
lighter components. South Africa possesses two major comparative
advantages in this regard, namely the abundant availability of
high-quality raw material and low energy costs. With the rapidly
increasing export focus of South African motor manufacturers, this
provides an ideal opportunity to add further value to the raw
aluminium produced in SA, by leveraging the technological
capability of local industry to produce high-quality,
high-integrity aluminium components for export.
This project concerns the development of
innovative technologies and capabilities in the field of high
pressure die casting (HPDC) of aluminium, particularly in the
semi-solid state ("thixocasting"). The main aim is to
provide technologies for producing components of high integrity
for automotive applications, as well as for improved production
process capability to increase the quality and consistency of
locally manufactured HPDC parts. In addition, research into
innovative methods for reducing the cost and lead times associated
with the manufacture of production tooling for HPDC components
will be conducted. These technologies hold the promise of greatly
increasing the competitiveness of local component manufacturers in
export markets. |
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Project Coordinator: |
Dr Oliver Damm
Phone: +27 (0)12 841 3394 or 4389
Email: odamm@csir.co.za |
Public reports / Newsletters:
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