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
| Alloy | Elongation % | Modulus (Gpa) | Yield (Mpa) | Tensile (Mpa) | Specific Gravity |
| AM60B - Die Cast | 6 | 45 | 130 | 220 | 1.70 |
| AM60B - Thixo | 14.8 | 45 | 145 | 280 | 1.70 |
Die Cast Properties provided by Meridian
Thixo Properties are average of 8 samples: Elements Lab 6/5/2015