Proto Labs Launches Rapid Magnesium Injection Molding Service
Low-volume magnesium molding bridges manufacturing gap between prototyping and production.
MAPLE PLAIN, Minn.--Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) has introduced magnesium injection molding into its current rapid manufacturing services. This advanced injection molding process enables product designers and engineers to prototype using the same materials and processes used for the final part production. In addition to prototypes, Proto Labs will offer production parts in quantities of up to 5,000+ with a typical turnaround time of 15 days.
Magnesium is a strong and lightweight metal that is increasingly being used in the automotive and aerospace industries to reduce the weight of components. "In recent years, lightweighting has become a significant factor in automotive product development, for example, as engineers are being tasked with drastically reducing vehicle weight in order to improve vehicle gas mileage," says Proto Labs engineer and product manager, Becky Cater. "We see magnesium injection molding as an important tool for achieving this."
Proto Labs injection molding process, known also as thixomolding, is viewed as an alternative to machining and die casting processes. It involves heating chipped magnesium feedstock in the barrel of a press, where it is transformed into a gel-like state before high-speed injection into a steel mold to create the part.
Magnesium AZ-91D joins Proto Labs current injection molding offerings that include more than a hundred thermoplastic, liquid silicone rubber, steel and stainless steel materials. "Magnesium injection molding is yet another fast and cost-effective manufacturing method for Proto Labs customers to use as they race to quickly launch products to market," explains Cater.
About Proto Labs
Proto Labs is the world's fastest digital manufacturing source for custom prototypes and low-volume production parts. The technology-enabled company uses advanced 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding technologies to produce parts within days. The result is an unprecedented speed-to-market value for product designers and engineers worldwide. Visit protolabs.com for more information.
Featured Product
BitFlow Introduces 6th Generation Camera Link Frame Grabber: The Axion
BitFlow has offered a Camera Link frame grabbers for almost 15 years. This latest offering, our 6th generation combines the power of CoaXPress with the requirements of Camera Link 2.0. Enabling a single or two camera system to operate at up to 850 MB/S per camera, the Axion-CL family is the best choice for CL frame grabber. Like the Cyton-CXP frame grabber, the Axion-CL leverages features such as the new StreamSync system, a highly optimized DMA engine, and expanded I/O capabilities that provide unprecedented flexibility in routing. There are two options available; Axion 1xE & Axion 2xE.
The Axion 1xE is compatible with one base, medium, full or 80-bit camera offering PoCL, Power over Camera Link, on both connectors. The Axion 2xE is compatible with two base, medium, full or 80-bit cameras offering PoCL on both connectors for both cameras.
The Axion-CL is a culmination of the continuous improvements and updates BitFlow has made to Camera Link frame grabbers.
