The hot-chamber magnesium die cast housing from CWM 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 the ultra-high EMI noise levels of hospital environments were important material and process considerations.
In-depth OEM experience with plastics rejected a resin-based design, based plastic’s requirement for thicker walls and the difficulties of assured EMI/RFI shielding, plus inherent lower drop strength.
Both magnesium die casting and thixotropic metal molding were carefully evaluated in the engineering of this magnesium part. 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.
