Thixomolding

How it works

1. chips of magnesium allow are fed into a heated screw and barrel assembly where an argon shield prevents the material from oxidizing
2. as the screw rotates inside the barrel, the magnesium is conveyed forward and heated to between 1040 – 1166F (560 – 630C), where it forms a semi-solid slurry
3. the semi-solid magnesium allow is injected into the mold at a high speed
4. the viscocity of the allow is reduced due to the materials thixotropic state, and it can therefore flow into the desired form with higher precision than casting and forging

Advantages
easily automated and controlled
high production rate
smooth filling of the die
low shrinkage porosity
lower melting temperature
higher dimensional accuracy
highly complex shapes
enhanced component properties
achieve very thin walls