Abstract: There is provided a continuous casting and rolling process for continuously producing a deformed fine grain solid metal composition suitable for semi-solid forming. The process is characterized by high throughput, continuity, and precise control of the process parameters, such as solidification rate, rolling temperature and speed and total deformation. The solidification rate is preferred to be in a range of 10 to 150° C./s, and the total deformation is controlled to be larger than a Mises effective strain of 2.3 to obtain a deformed fine grain structure with enough distortion energy. A method combining the continuous casting and rolling process of preparing semi-solid raw material with semi-solid forming of shaped articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the forming of a shaped article includes a means for plasticizing a feed material; a die chamber; a means for delivering a plasticized feed material from the plasticizing means and into the die chamber, the delivery means in flow communication with the plasticizing means and the die chamber; and means for applying a pressure to a material in the die chamber. In operation, a feed material is introduced into a plasticizing source; the plasticized feed material is delivered to a die chamber connectable in flow communication with the plasticizing source; and supplemental pressure is applied to the plasticized feed material within the die chamber.