Patent attributes
An injection-molding process for molding a metal alloy into a near net shape article that is characterized in that the processing temperature of the alloy at injection is approaching the liquidus, preferably having a maximum solids content of 5%, whereby a net-shape molded article can be produced that has a homogeneous, fine equi-axed structure without directional dendrites, and a minimum of entrapped porosity. Advantageously, the resulting solid article has optimal mechanical properties without the expected porosity and solidification shrinkage attributed to castings made from super-heated melts. Also disclosed is a metal-matrix composite including a metallic component, and also including a reinforcement component embedded in the metallic component, the metallic component and the reinforcement component molded, at a near-liquidus temperature of the metallic component, by a molding machine.