THIXOMOLDING

Thixomolding® is a casting method where magnesium is simultaneously sheared and heated until it becomes dough-like in consistency, and then injected into a mold, creating a laminar flow front similar to that of plastic injection molding. The doughy consistency is created in a magnesium injection molding machine under a protective gas. The magnesium is heated to 560° to 600° C via a feed screw and external heating, and then pressed into the die. The duration of the injection process including dwell-pressure is about 0.03 seconds; the cycle time, depending on component size, is about 20 to 45 seconds. The laminar flow front created during the Thixomolding® process ensures the production of components with more uniform material structure and lower porosity and/or cavity-free compared to die casting.

Or, more simply
Injection Molded Magnesium

THIXOMOLDING PROCESS

THIXOMOLDING BENEFITS

  • Light weight
  • Thin walls: .020” minimum (.5 mm)
  • Castability and stiffness
  • EMI-RFI shielding
  • High strength to weight ratio
  • High dimensional stability and tight tolerances
  • Linear tolerances: ±.001 in. (0.003 cm) for each inch of dimension
  • High quality surface finish
  • Low porosity: 50% lower than die cast
  • Dent resistance and good machinability
  • Sound and vibration dampening
  • Heat transfer capability
  • No surface sinks at wall junctions
  • Low draft: 0 draft possible, .5 to 2 degree is typical
  • Recyclability and low warpage
  • Environmentally friendly process
  • Insert molding possible

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

AlloyElongation
%
Modulus
(Gpa)
Yield
(Mpa)
Tensile
(Mpa)
Specific
Gravity
AM60B - Die Cast6451302201.70
AM60B - Thixo14.8451452801.70

Die Cast Properties provided by Meridian
Thixo Properties are average of 8 samples: Elements Lab 6/5/2015

UNMATCHED ELONGATION