Magnesium Alloy Castings

Typically all casting methods can be employed to produce magnesium alloy castings. Investment casting, sand casting or mold and shell casting, are just a few of the more common casting procedures that can be used. The decision to use a particular casting method is really dependent upon the design of the piece, the end use of the element and the number of components to be produced or cast.

Another factor that must be considered is the actual properties of the proposed alloy. The tensile strength, corrosion resistance, shear strength and melting point of the alloy to be used will determine whether it is suitable for the designed castings application.

There are a wide variety of applications that use magnesium castings due to the lightweight nature of the alloy. Another benefit to be found in a casting made of magnesium alloy is the rigidity of the end product. Not only are these alloy castings used for power tools like chain saw bodies, cameras and computers, and other lightweight, durable equipment, but they are widely employed by the aerospace industry.

The main reason for the increased use of magnesium alloy castings over other metals and materials is due to the fact that they are lightweight. Ever since the mid 1940’s, both military and commercial aeronautics and aerospace industries have shown a preference for these alloy castings. Now, they are finding a niche in automotive manufacturing as they enable the production of increasingly lighter weight vehicles.

There are other advantages of using a magnesium alloy casting rather than another metal or alloy. First of all, there’s an abundance of the metal available to use. Second, it is easier and faster to machine than aluminum. Not only that, but if die casting is employed, magnesium alloy castings can be produced four times as fast as aluminum castings.

The use of coatings on the alloy castings not only protect the components, but help ensure a long life-time of use. Also, today it is possible for these alloy castings to be incredibly complex, with sections that are thin walled. This results in a lightweight stability that is highly desirable in metal castings.

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