Benefits Of Magnesium For Metal Parts Manufacturing

“Lightweight” and “fire hazard” are two aspects of magnesium that are constantly brought up. While these are accurate, they are not the only things concerning magnesium that we should be aware of.

The Two Most Common Magnesium Characteristics

Of the common metals used for die casting, magnesium is lightweight and has the best strength-to-weight ratio. Magnesium does burn safely under the correct circumstances, and two excellent examples are fireworks (which provide the dazzling white light you see) (they even burn underwater). The safety element of die-casting magnesium has been enhanced by more modern dosing melting furnaces, firefighting tools, detection gadgets (hydrogen sniffers in machining areas), chip and dust management, and good housekeeping.

We are back to the same two questions now that we have established that die casting magnesium is manageable from a safety aspect with the proper tools, training, and good housekeeping. Magnesium is much more than that, though.

More about Magnesium…

Magnesium is the eighth most plentiful element in the earth’s crust and the lightest construction material (1.8 grams per cubic centimeter, or for those who prefer 0.065 pounds per cubic inch). It is made from seawater, brines (chloride), and magnesium-bearing minerals, which have limitless deposits and naturally exist in dolomite, magnetite, and carnallite. Also, it is entirely recyclable.

Tool Life

Despite not being as long-lasting as zinc, magnesium’s die-cast tooling can endure up to three times as long as aluminum. Additionally, there are a variety of options for tooling and prototyping, such as quick tools, soft prototype tools, and production tools, all of which have different lead times and tool lives to accommodate different programs, timelines, and part counts.

Versatility

Magnesium has a wide range of applications. It can be used in cold chamber die casting machines as well as hot (standard and multi-slide machines). This means that it can accommodate castings of all sizes, from tiny (less than an ounce) to enormous (up to sixteen pounds or larger).

Alloy Choices

There are many different alloy options for magnesium. There are numerous alloys that can be used for magnesium die casting. The two most popular ones are AZ91D and AM60B suppliers. Other options include AZ81, AM50A, AM20, AE42, and AS41B, however, they are typically utilized for a particularly desirable attribute, like creep resistance or greater temperature usage.

• AZ91D magnesium is the most used alloy for high-pressure die casting. It has a good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent castability, and excellent corrosion resistance. In mechanical components, where toughness is more important than deformation, this alloy is often used.
• Magnesium AM60B is frequently used in safety applications or other situations where ductility is necessary. Applications include steering wheels (frames or armatures), instrument panel structures, seat frames, and other cold-forming-related vehicle components.
• AM50 Magnesium, according to magnesium alloys suppliers in it less aluminum was contained than AM60B, provides an even greater gain in ductility but at the cost of slightly diminished strength and significantly diminished castability. When elongation requirements exceed those of AM60B, it is frequently employed.

Rare earth alloys from the AE and AS families are employed in applications where creep resistance or higher temperature requirements are necessary.

Conclusion

Our strategy is extremely collaborative, engaging with project teams early on to build unique methods and answers to any engineering difficulties that may arise. Magnesium alloys are significantly better suitable for practically every use, in every industry, after the PEO process because they are stronger, more stable, and less prone to corrosion.