US Patent 7921900 Processing of metal alloys in a semi-solid state

A process for forming an article includes locating a container containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy in a passage in front of a plunger arranged to travel relative to the passage to force the charge of semi-solid metal alloy into a desired shape, and displacing the charge of semi-solid metal alloy from the container and forming it into the desired shape by causing relative travel between the plunger and the passage. The plunger can push a displaceable closure member to displace the closure member and the charge of semi-solid metal alloy along an interior volume of the container from a first opening proximal the plunger and closed by the closure member towards a second opening remote from the first opening.