CWM’s hot-chamber magnesium die cast housing for a new cart-based modular ultrasound system received the “Design Award of Excellence” from the International Magnesium Association (IMA). Lightweight, durability under abuse, and fail-safe shielding against hospital environments’ ultra-high EMI noise levels were important material and process considerations.
In-depth OEM experience with plastics rejected a resin-based design based on plastic’s requirement for thicker walls, the difficulties of assured EMI/RFI shielding, and inherent lower drop strength.
In engineering this magnesium part, magnesium die casting and thixotropic metal molding were carefully evaluated. While metal molding could meet the shielding advantages and ruggedness of die cast magnesium, it could not meet the minimum wall thicknesses required—achievable using advanced die casting methods.
For more details on this Medical Housing application, see our case study here.