The International Magnesium Association (IMA) brought togetherautomotive engineers, researchers, and magnesium industry representatives inLivonia, Michigan, on October 12 for Magnesium in Motion: Driving the Future ofAutomotive Lightweighting. Held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit LivoniaNovi, the one-day seminar connected production experience with the design,manufacturing, and supply considerations needed to expand magnesium’s use invehicles.
IMA Immediate Past President Hartmut Fischer delivered the opening remarks. In his keynote, Paul Krajewski of General Motors Global Research and Development explored mass decompounding: how reducing the weight of one component can enable further weight savings elsewhere in a vehicle. He emphasized the importance of selecting applications that deliver value through part consolidation and multiple functions, while addressing corrosion, joining, recycling, and supply-chain resilience.
Anil K. Sachdev presented IMA President Jon Weiler’s plenary, “The Journey from Idea to Implementation,” on Weiler’s behalf. Drawing on examples of magnesium applications, Sachdev emphasized that technical success must be accompanied by reliable manufacturing and a compelling business case. Bringing engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and management into alignment early in development was a recurring message.
A panel on OEM production experience, including GM’s Ed Moss, examined practical questions about structural optimization, corrosion protection, tooling investment, and introducing new materials into established vehicle programs. Jeff Wang of GM R&D, reviewed automotive developments in China, including applications using high-pressure die casting and thixomolding. Fischer, representing STIHL, broadened the discussion with examples of magnesium applications and technology trends.
The afternoon program addressed the capabilities supporting wider adoption. IMA European Representative Martin Tauber reviewed the U.S. supply base, including secondary magnesium production available domestically, primary imports, and new primary projects. Steven Przesmitzki outlined opportunities for collaboration through USCAR and USAMP. Todd Olson of Twin City Die Castings discussed North American manufacturing capability, established automotive applications, and the growing range of suppliers able to produce larger magnesium castings.
Scott Sutton of Mag Specialties addressed challenges and opportunities for wrought magnesium. Anna Buling of ELB Eloxalwerk Ludwigsburg presented plasma surface treatment as an approach to improving corrosion and wear resistance of magnesium parts, connecting magnesium’s weight advantages with the durability required for demanding applications.
Across presentations and audience discussions, speakers returned to the importance of designing around magnesium’s capabilities, rather than relying on straightforward material substitution. Exhibits, networking breaks, lunch, and the closing reception gave attendees opportunities to continue those conversations. Fischer also delivered the closing remarks.
IMA thanks its speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and seminar planning team, including Conference and Program Chairs Jan Guy, Anil K. Sachdev, and Prof. Alan A. Luo, for supporting a program focused on practical pathways to automotive lightweighting.
This article is reprinted from International Magnesium Association.
Original title: “Magnesium in Motion Explores Practical Paths to Automotive Lightweighting”
Original link：https://www.intlmag.org/news/736911/Magnesium-in-Motion-Explores-Practical-Paths-to-Automotive-Lightweighting.htm
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