Magnesium Die Castings
Die castings made out of magnesium are very lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Magnesium is used when weight is a factor and a light, thin product is necessary. It is a non-ferrous metal that exhibits good soundproofing, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. It is easily alloyed with other metals and considered nontoxic in its pure form.
Quick links to Magnesium Die Castings Information
Applications of Magnesium Die Castings
The automotive, electronics, military, and aerospace industries use magnesium die cast products in many applications.
These applications include:
- Housing and Interior Components for Computers and Electronics
- EMI Enclosures
- Small Parts for Electronic Equipment
- Steering Wheel Armatures
- Crash-Engineered Vehicle Parts
- Power Tools
- Loudspeakers
- Office Electronics
- Laptops
- Cell Phone Handsets
Since they are so lightweight, magnesium die castings are often used in the construction of automobiles and airplanes, lightening their weight and thus making them faster and reducing their fuel consumption. Also, electronics and computer equipment casings become light and easily portable when constructed with magnesium.
Process of Magnesium Die Casting
The magnesium ingots (raw pellets or scraps) used in die casting are first heated to 150° C and then fed into the holding pot, where they are then heated until molten. Once in liquid form, the magnesium is fed into the shot sleeve by a plunger, which comes into direct contact with the metal. Under high pressure, the magnesium is forced into the mold, coating it completely and evenly. This process can be accomplished with much more ease than it can when casting other metals because magnesium exhibits such a high flow rate. Once solidified, the newly formed part is ejected when a clamping unit releases. If any scrap metal is produced, it can easily be recycled.
Benefits of Using Magnesium Die Castings
Die cast magnesium products are a silvery-white color and can be very thin, since magnesium has excellent flow characteristics. It also has 2/3 the density of aluminum, making it much more popular and cost effective. Magnesium is one of the easiest metals to machine. It has a low melting point and is a hot chamber die-cut, which is a continuous-flow, efficient process; it is much faster than cold chamber die casting. Molten magnesium will not erode or damage the holding pot, plunger, or cylinder. It is the only lightweight metal able to undergo high pressure die casting, which produces very complex parts.