Chongqing - In just 50 seconds, the machining center at Chongqing Boao Magnesium Aluminium Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s production workshop can automatically perform processing operations, including drilling, tapping, and milling, on the products using fully automated production lines.

Established in 2006, Chongqing Boao Magnesium Aluminium Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a leading high-tech enterprise in the Western region, boasting the largest scale and most comprehensive industry chain in magnesium alloy processing and production. Its products find extensive applications in the fields of automobiles, communications, motorcycles, and manual tools.

"The automated machining production line is mainly used for processing structural components of NEVs," said Tan Xianyue, Deputy General Manager of the company. "The company's flagship product, Structural Components of Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Vehicles for New Energy Vehicles, has achieved a 30%-50% reduction in component weight."

Workers are working at Chongqing Boao Magnesium Aluminium Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s Phase One production workshop (Photo/Wang Luzhou)

With continuously increasing domestic and international orders this year, Chongqing Boao Magnesium Aluminium Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has completed over 10 million products in the first three quarters, generating 444 million yuan. The company is currently working overtime to fulfill orders for the fourth quarter.

Lightweight structural components for NEVs

In 2017, the company embarked on an independent research and development journey, focusing on developing lightweight structural components for NEVs.

Utilizing innovative casting and die-casting methods, the company achieved lightweight magnesium alloy automotive components, addressing issues such as excessive weight, unstable quality, and low yield in automotive structural components.

This June, in collaboration with the National Engineering Research Center for Magnesium Alloys and the National Key Laboratory of Advanced Equipment Casting Technology of Chongqing University, and Chongqing Millison Technologies Inc., the company successfully developed the world's largest magnesium alloy automotive die-casting structural component.

Compared to aluminum alloy castings, it achieved a 32% weight reduction, laying the foundation for the large-scale production and widespread application of super-sized magnesium alloy structural components.

"Now, we are fully committed to ensuring supply and advancing innovation and research and development, pushing hard for the fourth quarter," said Tan.

Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Innovation R&D Center

"As we enter the fourth quarter, the company is advancing the construction of the Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Innovation Research and Development Center, striving for partial operation in the first quarter of next year," Tan added.

The Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Innovation Research and Development Center is under construction. (Photo/Wang Luzhou)

At the construction site of the research and development center, the infrastructure has been completed, and workers are currently engaged in interior decoration. It is reported that the research and development center has a total investment of one billion yuan, integrating equipment center, research and development center, and manufacturing center.

The center covers intelligent research and development from product to workshop, research and development of raw materials, intelligent design of equipment, and product testing and validation. It also includes two major sectors: automobiles and communications. Once fully operational, it will further improve the supply chain of products.

Tan said after completing the research and development center, the center will strengthen technical cooperation with research institutions such as Chongqing University and Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, effectively transforming the company's existing patents into technological achievements.