Released: March 24th, 2006
Meridian Technologies Inc., the global leader in design, engineering and manufacturing of magnesium high pressure die cast, machined and assembled automotive components, is proud to announce that it has received the 2006 North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) International Die Casting Competition Award in the Magnesium Die Casting Over 0.5lb category for its Corvette Z06 Engine Cradle. The industry’s first structural chassis component was chosen over its competition in various criteria including ingenuity of casting/product design, overall quality, cost savings and contribution to expanding the market for castings. This award is given by NADCA to promote increased use of die castings by recognizing and publicizing outstanding designs.
This project was the result of a multi-year study by the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) and the United States Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP), which included contributions from Ford and Daimler-Chrysler, in addition to General Motors.
Along with being the industry’s first structural chassis component, the cradle is an integral part of the vehicle crash management system. This magnesium component provides many benefits; such as a 35% weight savings versus the original aluminum design, a 50/50 front to rear weight distribution for the vehicle, and single piece component integration, allowing modular sub-system build. The engine cradle’s high ductility, low creep AE44 alloy, developed by Hydro Magnesium, provides the high temperature capability required to withstand the demands of a vehicle designed for use at the racetrack.
This innovation/application demonstrates the viability of magnesium alloys for use in chassis structures, an area for which magnesium components have not traditionally been used or considered. Applications in this area are expected to grow in excess of ten fold over the next 4 to 5 years in North America for magnesium.
The winning casting will be prominently displayed at this year’s 110th Metalcasting Congress, April 18-21st, in Columbus Ohio as well as being the feature story in the July issue of Die Casting Engineer along with other design and technical magazines.
Meridian Technologies continues to be a technology leader in the development of new magnesium applications to further reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel economy, handling and performance. With 6 manufacturing facilities in 5 countries, and its Global Technology Center located in Strathroy, Ontario, Meridian is the only magnesium die caster with global manufacturing, engineering and business development operations. With over 1200 employees worldwide, Meridian is the global market share leader with a diversified product range of Instrument Panel Beams, 4WD Transfer Cases, Transmission Cases, Front End Carriers, Radiator Supports, Seat Frames, Steering Column Supports, Engine Cradles, and other body structure, chassis, and powertrain components.