Magnesium alloy investment casting is, frankly, a challenging process. Magnesium is highly reactive; it tends to oxidize or even ignite during pouring, placing strict demands on both the process and the environment. Consequently, few manufacturers are willing to take on such orders. We, however, have the capability and the experience to do so.
Our process works as follows: once the client confirms the design, we create a wax pattern using either 3D printing or traditional methods. We then apply a multi-layer ceramic shell-standard shells cannot withstand the high pouring temperatures of magnesium alloys, so specialized formulations are required. During pouring, we strictly control environmental conditions and protective gases to ensure the purity of the molten metal and the quality of the mold filling.
In short, we combine the lightweight advantages of magnesium alloys with the precision of investment casting to produce parts that are difficult to manufacture using aluminum or machining.
Product Features
Thin-wall Capability: Magnesium investment casting allows for the creation of thin-walled structures that are difficult to achieve with aluminum or machining, reducing material usage and further leveraging magnesium's lightweight properties.
Complex Geometry: Investment casting excels at producing complex shapes, a capability that applies equally well to magnesium alloys. There is no need to split parts for welding or assembly; the entire structure can be cast as a single, integral unit.
Excellent Vibration Absorption: Magnesium alloys possess strong vibration-damping characteristics. When used in moving parts or high-vibration environments, they reduce noise and protect sensitive internal components.
Dimensional Stability: Magnesium alloys exhibit predictable dimensional changes in response to temperature fluctuations, maintaining stability without the need for additional aging or stress-relief treatments.
Product Advantages
Direct Lightweighting Impact: Magnesium has a density only about two-thirds that of aluminum. Switching a part to magnesium alloy yields significant weight reduction without compromising strength. Machining-friendly: Magnesium alloys are renowned for their excellent machinability, characterized by low cutting resistance, minimal tool wear, and high processing efficiency. For parts requiring subsequent machining, this translates to significant savings in labor time and costs.
Replacement for plastic or aluminum parts: Magnesium alloy castings can replace parts originally made of plastic, offering superior strength and heat resistance. They can also replace machined aluminum components by enabling the production of single-piece, integrated parts, thereby eliminating multiple manufacturing steps.
Reliable process: We employ proven dry protective gas systems and clean molten metal treatment measures to ensure stability during the magnesium alloy pouring process and consistent casting quality.
Product Applications
Aerospace: Weight-sensitive aircraft components. The European IDEA project is currently researching the use of magnesium alloy investment casting in the aerospace sector.
Automotive components: Housings and brackets originally made of plastic can be produced via magnesium alloy investment casting to reduce weight while enhancing structural strength. The MANUNET INVAUT project focuses on this application.
Optical/Electronic device housings: Housings requiring lightness, vibration damping, and precision molding-such as casings for laser sighting devices. While these parts were previously machined from aluminum ingots, magnesium alloy investment casting now allows for integrated, lightweight designs.
Handheld tools & portable devices: Chainsaws, nail guns, laptop casings, luggage frames, etc.; the lightweight nature and impact resistance of magnesium alloys are highly advantageous in these applications.
Medical: The biocompatibility and biodegradability of magnesium alloys have garnered attention in recent years, with research into the use of thin-walled precision castings for stent-like products.
