IISc develops critical Semi Solid Forming technology

Bangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) The prestigious Indian Institute of Science here has indigenously developed a cutting edge and an innovative Semi Solid Forming (SSF) technology in its national facility for application in the production of non-dentritic aluminium billets, using electromagnetic stirring.

Addressing newspersons here today, Dr Pradeep Dutta, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IISc, said SSF was an innovative manufacturing technology to produce high-quality, near-net-shaped castings with superior properties.

The critical technology would be transferred to the Indian engineering industry and facilities offered for development, training, testing and related aspects of SSF of aluminium alloys and produce performance-critical components for automobiles, aircraft and defence equipment. This would enable them to become internationally competitive, he said.

Dr Dutta said the national facility for SSF technology was set up at IISc with funding from the Mines Ministry, Department of Science and Technology and Defence Research and Development Organisation. An MoU was signed between IISc and the funding organisations to develop a Semi Solid Casting Technology few years ago. Hitherto, the Indian industry had access only to imported Semi Solid Casting products.

He said to develop the critical technology, the IISc had signed an MoU with M/s Buhler Druckguss AG Switzerland, a world leader in the manufacture of die casting machines, to provide competent technical support to the Indian industry. Through the national facility, M/s Buhler had not only assisted in the erection and commissioning of the die-casting machine, but also provided technical support in die- design for SSF applications, die conception layout and advice on peripheral equipment such as slug heating system. Apart from this, they had also extended on-site training for machine operation and setting, he added.

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