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Progress in the Magnesium Alloy Industry in China（2024）
Advances in Technological Research and Development
Improved Corrosion Resistance: Companies such as Chinalco have successfully developed new stainless magnesium alloys（See attachment）, significantly enhancing the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. This breakthrough addresses the traditionally poor corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys, laying the foundation for their large-scale application.
Implementation of Integrated Die-Casting Technology: Integrated die-casting has become a key trend in the application of magnesium alloys in the automotive sector. This technology enables the production of structurally complex, high-precision, and stable-performance magnesium alloy components. In addition to enhancing production efficiency, integrated die-casting also reduces manufacturing costs, providing strong support for the widespread adoption of magnesium alloys in the automotive industry.
Market Growth of Magnesium Alloys
Significant Expansion of Market Size: It is predicted that the potential usage of magnesium alloys per vehicle could increase tenfold, with the total market size for lightweight automotive materials expected to reach 2.3 million tons per year. As magnesium alloy prices decline and corrosion resistance improves, their applications will expand further, driving continuous growth in market demand.
Expansion of Production Capacity: Multiple magnesium alloy manufacturers are actively expanding their production capacity to meet increasing market demand. For instance, Baowu Magnesium Industry is constructing several new raw magnesium and magnesium alloy production facilities, which, once operational, are expected to significantly enhance production and sales volumes.
Progress in Magnesium Alloy Applications
Automotive Industry:
The use of magnesium alloys in automotive components such as dashboard supports, seat frames, and door frames is increasing.
Magnesium alloys have also started being used in critical components of new energy vehicles, including battery enclosures and drive motor housings, further driving their application in the automotive industry.
Aerospace Sector:
Magnesium alloys are widely used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing aircraft engine components, structural brackets, and gearboxes.
3C (Consumer Electronics) Industry:
Magnesium alloys are extensively applied in the casings and internal structural components of electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
As consumer expectations for electronic device performance continue to rise, magnesium alloy applications in the 3C electronics sector are expected to grow further.
Other Fields:
In the medical device industry, magnesium alloys exhibit significant potential due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. They can be used in manufacturing medical implants such as bone screws and plates, aiding in bone healing and recovery.
Magnesium alloys are also utilized in construction formworks, sports equipment, and various other fields.
As magnesium alloy processing technology advances and costs decrease, their range of applications will continue to expand.
Continuous Improvement of the Industrial Chain
With the ongoing expansion of magnesium alloy applications and market size, the industrial chain is gradually becoming more comprehensive. A complete supply chain, covering raw material supply, manufacturing, and product distribution, will be established to support the large-scale adoption of magnesium alloys.
Case Study
Baowu Magnesium Industry serves as an example of success in this sector. By continuously expanding magnesium alloy production capacity, enhancing product quality, and advancing technological innovation, the company has successfully enabled the widespread application of magnesium alloys in the automotive and aerospace industries. Additionally, Baowu Magnesium Industry actively collaborates with downstream enterprises to jointly promote the development and application of magnesium alloy materials.
Magnesium alloys have made significant progress in technological research, market expansion, and production capacity growth. They have found widespread applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. With continuous advancements in technology and the growing market, the prospects for magnesium alloy applications are increasingly promising.
Attachment：Tenfold Growth Potential: Breakthrough in Corrosion Resistance of Magnesium Alloys Opens New Market Frontiers
Tenfold Growth Potential: Breakthrough in Corrosion Resistance of Magnesium Alloys Opens New Market Frontiers
In recent years, the demand for automotive lightweighting has driven the gradual adoption of magnesium alloys—a low-density, lightweight metal—in vehicle manufacturing. However, the poor corrosion resistance of traditional magnesium alloys has long limited their widespread use. Recent breakthroughs in corrosion resistance are now transforming this landscape, unlocking vast market potential for magnesium alloys.
I. Lightweight Advantages of Magnesium Alloys
Low Density: Magnesium alloys have a density of 1.74 g/cm³, approximately 2/3 that of aluminum and less than 1/4 that of steel, making them ideal for automotive lightweighting.
High Specific Strength: Their strength-to-density ratio allows for material savings while meeting performance requirements.
Superior Processability: Excellent machinability, vibration damping, weldability, and castability, particularly in die-cast forms, enable widespread use in automotive components.
II. Traditional Automotive Applications
Historically limited by corrosion issues, magnesium alloys were primarily used in dry, non-corrosive environments for parts such as:
Steering wheels, instrument panel brackets, seat frames, and display supports.
Example: Hyundai reduced seat frame weight by 50% using magnesium alloys while meeting safety standards.
Current average usage: ~15 kg per vehicle, highlighting untapped potential due to corrosion constraints.
III. Technological Breakthrough: Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Ductility
New Stainless Magnesium Alloys: Developed by companies like Chalco, these alloys offer 10–50x higher corrosion resistance than traditional magnesium alloys, without relying on costly rare earth additives.
Saltwater Corrosion Test: After 14 days in saline, corrosion rates matched rust-resistant aluminum, with minimal surface degradation.
Improved Ductility: Enhanced elongation addresses historical cracking issues during forming, enabling reliable manufacturing.
IV. Emerging Applications in Automotive Lightweighting
Three-Electric System Housings (Battery, Motor, Electronics):
Motor Housings: Potential to replace aluminum, reducing weight by ~14 kg per unit.
Battery Enclosures: Magnesium could cut weight by 50% (from ~100 kg to ~50 kg per EV).
Total potential: ~64 kg per vehicle.
Lightweight Structural Components:
Replacing aluminum/steel in body structures could add ~40 kg per vehicle (assuming 10% substitution in a 400 kg body).
Stamped Body Panels:
With improved corrosion resistance, magnesium could replace steel/aluminum in doors, hoods, etc., adding ~20 kg per vehicle.
Wheels:
High-end car applications already exist; cost reductions from simplified coatings could expand usage. Each magnesium wheel weighs 5–6 kg, offering weight savings and durability.
V. Market Potential Analysis
Per-Vehicle Usage: Potential rises from ~15 kg to 143–145 kg—a tenfold increase.
Annual Market Scale:
China’s 2023 passenger vehicle output: 26.124 million units (9.587 million NEVs).
Projected magnesium alloy demand: >2.3 million metric tons/year.
VI. Conclusion and Outlook
The corrosion-resistant breakthrough in stainless magnesium alloys positions them as a game-changer for automotive lightweighting. Applications span from powertrain components to structural parts and body panels, with a potential tenfold surge in adoption. While challenges like cost and scalability remain, ongoing R&D and cost reductions could cement magnesium alloys as a cornerstone of next-gen vehicle design, driving sustainable mobility forward.
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