The STIHL MS 400 C-M is the world’s first chainsaw with magnesium piston technology. The component and the production process specially developed for it have now been recognised by the International Magnesium Association (IMA) and presented with the prestigious Award of Excellence 2020. The magnesium piston was the winner of the Commercial (non-automotive) Cast Product or Process category. It is produced by serial die casting to very high quality standards in terms of temperature resistance, pores and blowholes, as well as wear and strength properties. Hartmut Fischer, general manager of STIHL Magnesium Die-Casting in Weinsheim, Germany, is very proud of the award: “At STIHL, we have more than 60 years’ experience working with magnesium and fabricating it. We are setting new benchmarks in development and production by using magnesium piston technology in a chainsaw for the first time. Thanks in no small part to this and the consistent lightweight design, we have succeeded in reducing the power-to-weight ratio of the STIHL MS 400 C-M considerably. This again reinforces our position as technology leader.”
The panel made up of international experts recognises “unique, novel and creative application of magnesium” and “advances over current practice”. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the award ceremony was a virtual event this year. The innovative technology already received top prize in the “Magnesium components” category at the Euroguss 2020 industry trade fair.
Light and powerful: the STIHL MS 400 C-M
Thanks to the magnesium and the consistent lightweight design, the new STIHL MS 400 C-M has a powerhead weight of just 5.8 kg and therefore an ultra-low power-to-weight ratio of 1.5 kg per kilowatt. The new component also gives the machine an enormous maximum speed of up to 14,000 rpm, which makes pruning in particular faster. This first-rate performance offers professionals what they want from a forestry tool: outstanding power with low weight. The MS 400 C-M will be on the market in Germany in early 2021.
STIHL Magnesium Die-Casting: one of the largest die-casting plants in Europe
STIHL Magnesium Die-Casting was founded in 1971. Today, it is one of the largest and most modern magnesium die-casting plants in Europe. With its high-quality products, the plant is an important part of the international STIHL manufacturing network. It currently employs 800 people in the Eifel region and produces high-quality magnesium components for chainsaws and power tools, as well as for the automotive, motorcycle, bicycle, electronics and medical technology industries. Roughly 25 percent of its revenue comes from die-casting projects for external customers. The plant has grown continuously over the past few years, and a new production logistics facility was added in July 2020.
About the International Magnesium Association (IMA)
Founded in 1943, the mission of the International Magnesium Association (IMA) is to promote the use of magnesium and encourage innovate applications of the versatile metal. The IMA’s members consist of primary producers of the metal, recyclers, foundries, fabricators, end-users and suppliers. Since 1962, the IMA has hosted an annual awards programme in recognition of companies demonstrating outstanding examples of magnesium’s use
