METAL SPECS

Magnesium has the strength of Aluminum yet weighs one third less which makes it an obvious candidate for use by automotive and aerospace engineers concerned with weight reduction.

Magnesium die castings are currently being used throughout the automobile industry; however, items which are impractical to produce as die castings are not being considered or developed as magnesium parts. The technology is now available to produce magnesium castings by sand, permanent mold, or foam casting techniques in the quantities required by automotive markets.

MAGNESIUM ALLOYS FOR CONSIDERATION IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

The part application will dictate the use of either of two magnesium alloys.

HIGH PURITY AZ91 - The heavy metals iron, nickel and copper have been reduced to minimal levels creating a highly corrosion resistant magnesium alloy. This alloy is made up of Aluminum and Zinc concentrations of 9% and 1% respectively, with remainder being Magnesium. Its strength is comparable to aluminum alloy castings and it maintains this strength throughout all services.

ZE41A - This is a premium strength alloy made up of Rare Earths, Zirconium and Zinc in concentrations of 1.25%, 1% and 4% respectively, with the remainder being Magnesium. This alloy will maintain its strength up to approximately 204° Celsius and will have excellent mechanical properties throughout the casting that meet or exceed the separately cast test bar requirements. This alloy is so pressure tight that impregnation is of no value.