The squeeze-casting (or liquid-metal forging) process was developed
in the 1960s and involves the solidification of molten metal under high
pressure (Fig. 11.24). Typical products made are automotive components and
mortar bodies (a short-barrelled cannon). The machinery includes a die, punch,and ejector pin. The pressure applied by the punch keeps the entrapped gases in
solution, and the contact under high pressure at the die-metal interface promotes
rapid heat transfer, thus resulting in a fine microstructure with good mechanical
properties.