Main Magnesium Alloys used in Industrial Production

Main Magnesium Alloys used in Industrial Production:

1. Magie-aluminium alloy (Mg-Al)

Characteristics:

• Contains magnesium and aluminum as the main components, sometimes with additional zinc (Zn) or manganese (Mn).
• Features high strength, good corrosion resistance, and ease of casting.

Applications:

• Widely used in the automotive industry (engine housings, gearbox parts), aviation, and home appliance manufacturing.

Examples of Some Common Mg-Al Alloys:

AZ91

• Composition:
  • Magnesium (Mg): ~90%
  • Aluminum (Al): 8.5-9.5%
  • Zinc (Zn): 0.5-1.0%
  • Manganese (Mn): ~0.17-0.4%
• Characteristics:
  • The most common alloy, known for excellent castability, high strength, and good corrosion resistance.

AM60

• Composition:
  • Magnesium (Mg): ~93-94%
  • Aluminum (Al): 5.5-6.5%
  • Manganese (Mn): ~0.26-0.5%
• Characteristics:
  • More ductile than AZ91, making it ideal for applications requiring better load-bearing capacity.

AZ31

• Composition:
  • Magnesium (Mg): ~96%
  • Aluminum (Al): 2.5-3.5%
  • Zinc (Zn): 0.6-1.4%
• Characteristics:
  • A rolled alloy (sheet), commonly used in applications demanding good machinability.

2. Magie-Zn alloy

Characteristics:

• Contains zinc as the main alloying element, often combined with zirconium (Zr) to enhance mechanical properties.
• Offers high strength and better heat resistance compared to magnesium-aluminum alloys.

Applications:

• Used in aerospace, defense technology, and electronic products.

Examples of Some Common Mg-Zn Alloys:

ZM21

• Main Composition:
  • Magnesium (Mg): ~97%
  • Zinc (Zn): ~2%
  • Manganese (Mn): ~1%
• Properties:
  • Good corrosion resistance.
  • Easy to machine.
• Applications:
  • Used in the aerospace industry and chemical industry.

ZK40

• Main Composition:
  • Magnesium (Mg): ~96%
  • Zinc (Zn): ~4%
  • Zirconium (Zr): Trace amounts.
• Properties:
  • Harder than AZ31.
  • Suitable for high-load applications.
• Applications:
  • Structural components and industrial tools.

Note:

• Mg-Zn alloys are often heat-treated (T5 or T6) to improve strength and wear resistance.
• They have a very low density (~1.8 g/cm³), making them ideal for weight reduction applications.

3. Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloys (Mg-RE)
Characteristics:

• Rare earth elements such as yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), or cerium (Ce) are added to enhance heat resistance and corrosion resistance.
• Exhibits high thermal strength and good structural stability.

Applications:

• Used in aerospace for components exposed to high temperatures or harsh environments.

Example:

• WE43: A magnesium-yttrium alloy, commonly used in aircraft manufacturing.

4. Magnesium-Lithium Alloys (Mg-Li)
Characteristics:

• Lithium (Li) is added, making the alloy lighter and easier to machine.
• Low density with moderate strength but poor corrosion resistance.

Applications:

• Suitable for ultra-lightweight applications, such as in aerospace and portable device manufacturing.

Example:

• LA141: A magnesium-lithium alloy with extremely low density.

5. Magnesium-Manganese Alloys (Mg-Mn)
Characteristics:

• Contains manganese (Mn) as the primary alloying element, offering high corrosion resistance and moderate strength.

Applications:

• Used in casting and for components requiring high corrosion resistance.

Examples of Common Mg-Mn Alloys:

AM20 (Magnesium-Aluminum-Manganese Alloy)

• Main Composition:
  • Mg: ~98%, Mn: ~2%, Al (trace).
• Properties:
  • Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.
  • Easy to cast and machine.
• Applications:
  • Marine industry, ship hulls, and outdoor equipment manufacturing.

AM50

• Main Composition:
  • Mg: ~94%, Mn: ~5%, Al (trace).
• Properties:
  • Higher strength than AM20.
  • Improved corrosion resistance.
• Applications:
  • Automotive parts such as engine housings, wheels, and device casings.

AM60

• Main Composition:
  • Mg: ~93%, Mn: ~6%, Al (trace).
• Properties:
  • High ductility and good impact resistance.
  • Suitable for pressure die casting.
• Applications:
  • Automotive industry, such as wheels and frames.

6. Magnesium-Thorium Alloys (Mg-Th)
Characteristics:

• Thorium (Th) is added to improve heat resistance and strength, but these alloys are less commonly used now due to radiation concerns.

Applications:

• Previously used in aerospace and military applications.

In Part 2, we will explore how to analyze and control the elemental composition of magnesium alloys.