A consortium led by the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) has developed a system for producing particle- and fibre-reinforced magnesium components on an industrial scale. The cycle times are less than a minute.
Due to its closed system, the THIXOM plant does not require toxic protective gas during processing.
Neue Materialien Fürth
A novel plant technology for particle and fibre reinforcement of magnesium has been developed by the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden in cooperation with Coperion, Druckguss Service Deutschland, GK Concept, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Neue Materialien Fürth, Reiloy and Volkswagen. The plant technology developed in the Thixom project compensates for the usual process fluctuations of thixomoulding plants.
The researchers have adapted the compounding technology with a twin-screw extruder and a new feeding device for reinforcing material such as particles or carbon fibres. The processed material is continuously conveyed into the specially developed transfer storage. From there, the material is delivered in a controlled manner to the downstream compact pressure-casting unit. The system therefore combines a continuous process with a compact pressure-casting unit and permits reproducible high-quality component production. The newly developed systems can produce magnesium components in cycle times of less than one minute.
Lightweight metal for automotive applications
As the structural metal with the lowest density compared to steel and aluminium, magnesium is particularly suitable as it can save considerable weight. In modern car manufacturing, developers are increasingly using the material in support structures such as centre console supports, steering wheels or cockpit mounts. The light metal displays high specific strength, which can be further improved by particle and fibre reinforcement. After five years of development work, the partners will present their results at the Forel Colloquium in Dresden on 3-4 September 2018.