Proto Labs, Inc. introduced magnesium injection molding into its current rapid manufacturing services. This injection molding process helps engineers prototype using the same materials and processes used for the final part production. In addition, this service can deliver production parts in quantities of up to 5,000+ with a typical turnaround time of 15 days.

Strong, lightweight Magnesium is increasingly being used in the automotive and
aerospace industries to reduce the weight of components.

“In recent years, “lightweighting” has become a significant factor in automotive product development, for example, as engineers are being tasked with drastically reducing vehicle weight to improve vehicle gas mileage,” said Proto Labs’ engineer
and product manager, Becky Cater.

Proto Labs’ injection molding process, known also as thixomolding, is viewed as an alternative to machining and die casting processes. It involves heating chipped magnesium feedstock in the barrel of a press, where it is transformed into a gel-like state before high-speed injection into a steel mold to create the part.

Magnesium AZ-91D joins Proto Labs’ current injection molding offerings that include more than a hundred thermoplastic, liquid silicone rubber, steel and stainless steel materials.

Proto Labs Inc.
www.protolabs.com