Compared to its steel alternative, the smaller magnesium liftgate inner panel created more headroom in the rear of the Lincoln MKT.


shown this is possible, it opens the door to a lot of [applications],” said Jeff Moyer, Meridian’s vice presi- dent of business development and engineering. “Now you can look at not only hatchbacks, but also side doors. In many ways, the next step is taking it and getting it in front of other customers.”


From Steel to Magnesium Ford has been working with its


suppliers to find ways to lighten its automotive components for years. So when the company came to Meridian with the idea of producing an inner liftgate piece as a magnesium die casting, the metalcaster was ready. “Meridian has a long history of


doing unique and innovative things with Ford,” said Richard Berkmor- tel, Meridian’s director of product development. Most structural hatchback liftgate


inner parts are produced as welded assemblies, according to Moyer. Steel provides the components with the requisite strength and crash resistance, but it also requires they be produced as several stamped pieces and welded


July/August 2010 MetAl CAsting Design AnD PurChAsing 31


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