International Magnesium Information Bulletin-15

（2023．02.27-2023.03.05）

1.    Scooterpac reveals new range of “extremely robust” lightweight magnesium wheelchairs
Mobility manufacturer and distributor Scooterpac has revealed a brand-new range of industry leading featherweight wheelchairs.
At only 7.2kg, the Feather Propel is the lightest self-propel on the market, according to Scooterpac. The wheelchair features swing-away footrests, quick release wheels with an option for integrated elevating leg rests. A transit version is also available, weighing in at just 5.9kg.
Scott Lawrence, Sales Director at Scooterpac, commented: “One thing we were constantly asked for by our customers over the last few years, was a genuinely lightweight product.
“By introducing the lightest wheelchairs on the market, we feel that we are starting to deliver on this. Developed on a magnesium alloy platform, the Feather Wheelchairs are not only incredibly lightweight, but they’re also extremely robust and offer fantastic all-round performance.”
Source: https://thiis.co.uk/scooterpac-reveals-new-range-of-extremely-robust-lightweight-magnesium-wheelchairs/

2.    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing ready for 2023 with revised GR010 HYBRID
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has revealed a revised GR010 HYBRID Hypercar for the 2023 season, when it will defend its number one status against new competitors at the start of an exciting era for the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The team’s incredible run of success, which so far includes five consecutive Le Mans wins and four straight WEC title doubles, will be challenged by more Hypercar participants than ever before in a seven-race 2023 season, which includes the centenary edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche and Vanwall join existing Hypercar competition from Peugeot and Glickenhaus to form a 13-car grid in WEC, with even more cars likely at Le Mans in what is expected to be a closely-fought contest for the biggest prize in endurance racing.
The GR010 HYBRID was the first Hypercar to break cover back in January 2021 and it has undergone a programme of detail evolutions in key areas, as it did for 2022, to optimise reliability and efficiency.
The GR010 HYBRID will again use 100% renewable biofuel fuel, made from wine residues and agricultural material, which reduce CO2 emissions by at least 65% and contribute to ongoing efforts to increase sustainability in endurance racing.
To compliment those efforts, the pre-heating of tyres before use is no longer permitted, which reduces energy consumption and emissions. As a result, Michelin has introduced a new range of tyre compounds, designed to reach peak operating temperature quickly, whilst retaining durability and performance.

Once again, the GR010 HYBRID benefits from the technical expertise of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s long-term partners, who continue to contribute significantly to its success. DENSO supplies radiators and spark plugs whilst also contributing to the front motor alongside AISIN. RAYS delivers lightweight magnesium alloy wheels, Akebono provides mono-block alloy brake callipers and Mobil 1 is the lubricant of choice.

Source：https://newsroom.toyota.eu/wec-2023-season-preview/

3.    First Look: ZeroTech Thrive HD Binoculars
ZeroTech Optics' latest offering, the Thrive HD series, boasts the latest generation of the company's Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass. This provides a generous depth of field and superior low-light performance, thanks to the Dielectrically Coated Bak 4 Prisms. Additionally, this series boasts smoother and faster focus wheels and textured grip panels, covering a strong but lightweight full-magnesium-alloy construction. The optics remain protected from dust and debris with integrated rubber lens covers, while the inclusion of a flip-top bino caddy harness system ensures hands-free carry and storage of essential items. The series comes in four optical configurations: 8x25mm (compact), 10x25mm (compact), 8x42mm, and 10x42mm.
Source: https://www.americanhunter.org/content/first-look-zerotech-thrive-hd-binoculars/

4.    ‘Made in Canada’ Project Arrow EV concept rolls out on tour
Canada has a concept electric vehicle (EV) in Project Arrow that is going on tour to showcase what the country’s manufacturers and suppliers can offer to the industry. After an unveiling at CES 2023 in Las Vegas in January, it’s now at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.
While the Carleton students won the design contest, the engineering and building phases took place at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, ON. That included crafting a full 3D model in virtual reality (VR) before sourcing the materials and parts necessary to build it by hand. The team that used their hands to do it were present to speak with the media on the eve of the AutoShow’s opening on Februrary 17th.
They described the challenge in making an EV that could drive lighter. EVs are, by the very nature of the batteries and metals needed to protect them, heavier than internal combustion vehicles. Throw in the powerful motors needed to propel one forward, and weight becomes an engineering challenge.
That’s largely why Project Arrow is like a manufacturing concoction. There’s the 3D-printed chassis made from composite materials to act as both a sturdy and lighter frame. To improve aerodynamics, the team used carbon fibre panels and magnesium pillars. They even used hemp for the backs reinforcing the seats. Bio-composite materials are also included where possible.
Rather than have rearview mirrors, cameras stick out just a little bit on either side to project what they see onto screens on the dashboard. The sloped windshield takes a shallower curve, an EV trend that I’ve noticed in both concept and finished models.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/autos/enthusiasts/made-in-canada-project-arrow-ev-concept-rolls-out-on-tour/ar-AA17Rq7e

5.    Alta Audio Adam loudspeaker
Levy piqued my curiosity when he claimed that the Adam's pure-aluminum ribbon tweeter, which is almost 6" tall and features a magnesium case and neodymium magnets, is "greater than the sum of its parts." A pinkie's breadth below the tweeter housing is a 6" midrange driver, and a little farther down is a single 8¾" woofer, which alone is responsible for a frankly astonishing amount of tight, penetrating bass. We'll get to that.
Alta Audio's website claims that the wideband midrange driver, which was designed in-house, is "underhung for exceptionally low distortion and ultra-fast transient response, while its aluminum pole increases dispersion." If the claims are true, the wideband moniker is more than justified: this transducer can, it is said, handle 50Hz–20kHz, but Levy decided to cross it over from below and above at 250Hz and 2.25kHz. That should allow for "a wide, linear crossover range," he said, with smooth transitions from bass to mids to treble.
Source: https://www.stereophile.com/content/alta-audio-adam-loudspeaker