Magnesium Die Castings

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 is considered nontoxic in pure form. The automotive, electronics, military and aerospace use magnesium die cast products, including housings and interior for computers and electronics, EMI enclosures, small parts for electronic equipment, vehicle parts including steering wheel armatures and crash engineered parts, power tools, loudspeakers and office electronics, laptops and cell phone hand sets. 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 more efficient. As well, electronics and computer equipment casings become very light and easily portable with magnesium. Die cast magnesium products are a silvery-white color and able to 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 considered the easiest metal to machine. It has a low melting point-650º C-and therefore, is hot chamber die cut, meaning the process is continuous-flow and much faster than cold chamber die cutting. It 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. The magnesium ingots (raw pellets or scraps) are first heated to 150 C, and then fed into the holding pot by a ladle, where they are then heated until molten. Once in liquid form, the magnesium is fed into the shot sleeve by a plunger, which comes in direct contact with the metal. Under high pressure, the magnesium is forced into the mold, coating it completely and evenly. This is an easier process than other metals, since magnesium exhibits such a high flow rate. Once solidified, the newly formed part is ejected when a clamping unit releases. If any scrap metal was produced, it may easily be recycled.