Review article

Injection moulding of magnesium alloys (Thixomoulding®)

Zdravko ŽAGAR ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb

Abstract

Thixotropic moulding was developed in the early 1970s as a variant of die casting of metals and is a method of casting metals and metal alloys in permanent moulds. Down Jones patented thixotropic injection moulding with properties similar to injection moulding of plastics.

The present paper describes thixotropic injection moulding of magnesium alloys. Data on factors in the technology of moulding production are given. Properties are described and a phase diagram for magnesium alloys used in injection moulding is given. Attached is a micrographic picture of the specimen produced by the injection moulding process of AZ91 alloy.

The cross section of the injection unit shows its main parts, as well as the design details for moulds to be used in thixomoulding. The advantages and disadvantages of the procedure are discussed, and in conclusion an assessment is made of the future of the thixotropic injection moulding procedure.

Keywords

injection moulding; magnesium alloys; permanent moulds; thixomoulding; thixotrophy

Hrčak ID:

8233

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/8233

Publication date:

5.5.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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