The Institute for Structural and Engineering Materials (ISEM) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has succeeded in developing a “runnerless extrusion process”, in collaboration with SEP Co., Ltd. (SEP) and Meiki Co., Ltd. (MEIKI). The new process is characterized by upgraded yield in comparison to the die cast process and elimination of needs for melting and holding furnaces for magnesium alloy. The process is realized by the combination of the solid-liquid molding process developed by ISEM-AIST, with extrusion technology of MEIKI and hot runner nozzle of SEP.

The new technology makes it possible to increase the process yield to 90% or higher, to secure high product quality, and to markedly reduce the risk of oxidative combustion in liquid state. The process is expected to be a very significant process for promoting the commercialization of magnesium alloys in view of safe operation, high efficiency and high energy saving effects.

The present R&D work was carried out for two years FY2002-03 under FY2002 New Regional Consortium R&D Project “Development of Energy Saving, High Efficiency Extrusion Technology” and entrusted by Aichi Science and Technology Foundation, as a part of “Tokai Creative Manufacturing Project” Industrial Cluster Program sponsored by the Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI.