GTI Manufacturing

Thixomolding

Lightweight, thin-walled, strong metal parts

Thixomolding allows manufacturers to design complex components from magnesium alloys for medium to high volume applications.  Unlike Metal Injection Molding (MIM), a powdered metal process, Thixomolding is truly high-pressure injection molding of semi-molten magnesium alloy.  This yields parts with excellent part detail, superb metallurgical structure, and tight tolerance capability when compared to die casting.
 
The concepts and theories behind designing parts for Thixomolding akin to injection molding rather than die-casting.  In fact if you are familiar with plastic injection molding you are about 85% of the way to designing Thixoformed parts!
 

Advantages of Thixomolding Dimensional Precision Thin Wall Capability (>0.040") Lightweight Complex Net Shapes Cosmetic Surface Finish Low Porosity High Volume Variety of Finishes Available Competitive Pricing EMI/RFI Shielding

Primary Thixomolding Markets Automotive Computer Peripherals Consumer Electronics Firearms Medical

Thixomolding offer many benefits over plastic injection molding and die-casting:

Plastic Injection Molding 10-20x Stiffer Dramatically Stronger Similar Part Complexities & Geometries Potentially Lighter Parts Elimination of EMI/RFI Shielding Operations Part Consolidation

Die Casting Lower Costs 30% Lighter than Al, 50% Lighter than Zn Reduction and/or Elimination of Secondary Operations Lower Overall Tooling Costs Thin Walls Better Metallurgical Properties Superior Corrosion Resistance