One process is described on wikipedia, using inert gas to prevent ignition[1]: For magnesium alloys, thixomolding uses a machine similar to injection moldi

One process is described on wikipedia, using inert gas to prevent ignition[1]: For magnesium alloys, thixomolding uses a machine similar to injection molding. In a single step process, room temperature magnesium alloy chips are fed into the back end of a heated barrel through a volumetric feeder. The barrel is maintained under an argon atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the magnesium chips. A screw feeder located inside the barrel feeds the magnesium chips forward as they are heated into the semi-solid temperature range. The screw rotation provides the necessary shearing force to generate the globular structure needed for semi-solid casting. Once enough slurry has accumulated, the screw moves forward to inject the slurry into a steel die. [1] http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-solid_metal_casting#Thixomolding http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-solid_metal_casting#Thix...