If your project demands a lightweight component with exceptional strength, magnesium die casting is the clear choice. Magnesium alloys offer one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any commonly used material—making them ideal for complex, thin-walled, and high-performance parts.
Magnesium is a naturally occurring element and the base for several high-performance alloys. The most widely used die casting alloy is AZ91D, known for:
Compared to steel, magnesium is 75% lighter with no significant loss of strength. It is a far better material for complex, thin-walled, net-shaped, or near-net-shaped castings and offers greater dimensional stability. Magnesium castings can meet tight tolerances that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with steel. Tooling costs can be lower for magnesium castings, as multiple parts can be easily consolidated into a single component. This also improves component rigidity and reduces welding and assembly costs.
Compared to aluminum, magnesium is 33% lighter, has similar or improved mechanical properties, and offers longer tool life. Magnesium is best suited to thin-wall, net-shaped complex parts that would be difficult to make in other metals.
Compared to plastics, magnesium is stronger and stiffer than even the most advanced engineered plastics. It also provides greater wear resistance, higher temperature and UV resistance, and better energy absorption/impact resistance. Magnesium cast parts do not require inserts for threaded holes like plastic. Unlike plastics, magnesium metal is produced from a naturally occurring element that is abundantly available in the earth and in seawater, and is 100% recyclable.
| Magnesium Die Casting | Primary Benefit of Mg | Secondary Benefit of Mg |
|---|---|---|
| vs. Steel Weldment | 75% Lighter | Less Expensive |
| vs. Aluminium Die Casting | 33% Lighter | Longer Tool Life |
| vs. Plastic Molding | Stronger, stiffer | Environmentally Friendly |
Chicago White Metal has been a trusted leader in magnesium die casting since the early 1980s, delivering hundreds of custom magnesium die cast solutions across a wide variety of industries. Our experience ensures precision, reliability, and performance in every part we produce.
Ready to engineer your next magnesium die cast solution?
Request a quote or contact Chicago White Metal to discuss your project.
