Proto Labs launches rapid magnesium injection molding service

Proto Labs Inc., Maple Plain, Minn., has introduced magnesium injection molding into its current rapid manufacturing services. The process enables product designers and engineers to prototype using the same materials and processes used for the final part production.

The 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.