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The T-Mag™ casting technology consistently produces high-integrity magnesium alloy castings from permanent moulds, free of the porosity and other defects that have hindered use of magnesium in the past. This technololgy has been developed through CSIRO's Light Metals Flagship.

T-Mag doesn’t require applied pressure or a vacuum to fill the die. Instead, the die fills smoothly from the bottom, minimising flow turbulence which reduces oxide generation and gas entrapment in the casting. This results in quality castings that are virtually free of defects, and can be heat treated and welded. It also uses far less metal – T-Mag only needs 3.7 kg of metal for a 3.5 kg casting.

The T-Mag casting machine combines melting and casting in a single, compact unit. Unlike high pressure die casting, T-Mag allows incorporation of sand cores, so it can be used to make complex internal features in products such as engine blocks, cross members and motorcycle swing arms.

Photographer : Mark Fergus

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