In VNIIMETMASH production process of tube extrusion from magnesium alloys has been developed and manufacturing of such tubes on specialized extrusion press with force 3,150 kN has been organized.

Processing

The process of hot-extruded magnesium tubes uses blank expanding operations which are integrated in one working cycle with the main operation, i.e. extrusion. It permits to use solid round rods as stock material wich makes special preparation for hollow blank extrusion unnecessary. This allows to decrease magnesium alloy consumption and tube production labour intensity.

The new processing has KNOW-HOW elements as concerns extrusion tool design, temperature-speed and force conditions; they permit to produce high-quality tubes in industrial scale.

Use

VNIIMETMASH supplies hot-extruding tubes made from alloy MA2-1 of the Russian company "YBM-R". This company was the first to bring a new process to a commercial level; it produces magnesium bicycle frame for sportsmen and various consumers; now, this company is the world’s only producer of such frames for superlight bicycles of new generation with unique characteristics.

The magnesium frames have extremely small weight, they are characterized by higher rigidity which guarantees excellent absorption of impact loads and vibrations. The described properties make bicycles with such frames high-coasting and smooth moving, generate higher comfort and decrease the tiredness of sportsmen.

The positive results of tests with these frames their demonstration on international exhibitions, successful performance of well-known Russian sportsmen on them during competitions of high level (including Olympic Games in Atlanta), their high estimation by the Russian Olympic Committee, growing demand for them in the world market proove high prospectiveness of their introduction into national and overseas bicycle production.

Also prospective is the use of magnesium tubes in the production of some other types of sport technique as well as in manufacturing of new specimens of modern technical means for invalids: carriages, crutches, artificial limbs, etc.

On the whole, VNIIMETMASH-developed advanced technology for production of superlight hot-extruding tubes with stable and variable cross-section made from magnesium alloys opens up new wide prospects for engineering companies oriented towards creation of the most diverse machinery of the third millenium.

Range of hot-extruding magnesium tubes (Ø16-60 мм)

Cooperation proposals

• Design, manufacturing and supply of specialized extruding-presses for production of tubes made from magnesium alloys;

• Supply of hot-extruding magnesium tubes for a wide range of articles.