Magna takes a shot at magnesium (July 14, 2005)

Tier 1 automotive supplier, Magna International Inc. (Aurora, ON) is expanding its business to include thixomolding, and has formed a special division dedicated to the process.
“We feel that magnesium and light metals will play significant role in the future, given rising oil prices,” said Dominic Burkart, manager of sales and new business development, Thixomolding at Magna.
Magna modified an injection molding machine from Husky Injection Molding Systems Inc. (Bolton, ON) for the thixomolding process, because it anticipates processing components with 2mm to 3mm wall thickness.
Existing thixomolding-dedicated machinery was not designed to accommodate these specifications, Burkart explained, because thixomolding has experienced traction in applications in consumer electronics and power tools, where components are processed with thinner walls, about 1mm.
Magna has already been awarded a contract from its subsidiary, Intier Automotive (Newmarket, ON), supplier of automotive interiors for an integrated bracket for a closure, Burkart said.