Chinese company produces magnesium alloy seat frame that reduces 19 parts to 4 components
First Automotive Works (FAW), a Chinese company, has produced a magnesium alloy seat frame that integrates 19 parts into four components while also retaining an eight-way adjustment function, according to a press release on a Chinese government website.
The seat frame uses semi-solid injection molding, the website states. It adds that the R&D team is focused on producing lightweight and high-performance auto parts.
According to the site, the seat has passed multiple seat-function adjustment tests and will soon enter strength and durability bench testing as well as full vehicle testing.
“Compared with conventional stamped steel solutions, the new assembly reduces weight by 1.35kg per set, with magnesium alloy claiming 26% of the weight decrease,” the release said.
The seat frame is based on Hongqi’s modular seat frame platform and is compatible with multiple models for the luxury Chinese automaker.
While not mentioned in the press release, FAW also has a joint venture with Volkswagen.
The Industry Arsenal reports that magnesium alloys stand out for their low density, high specific strength, and “excellent vibration damping.”
According to the article, FAW Foundry has been engaged in the development and production of other magnesium die-cast and thixomolded products. This includes a magnesium alloy thixomolded battery and plate sample delivered to customers.
“The mold features a multi-directional core pulling structure, allowing full lateral core pulling molding for all holes,” Industry Arsenal states. “This design eliminates additional machining steps, reducing manufacturing costs by 20%. The component’s strength is 10% higher than that achieved with traditional processes, due to the lower air and shrinkage porosity obtained by Thixomolding.”
FAW’s magnesium alloy production facility in Changchun recently installed an 850-ton magnesium alloy thixomolding machine, the article states. Following a production process trial, it is now achieving full-scale production for instrument brackets and plans to start producing steering wheel frames.
Another 3,600-ton machine is being installed and will start producing door inner panels, full cross car beams, and other structural components, according to the article.
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FAW magnesium alloy seat frame courtesy of Changchun Daily Convergence Media