Magnesium alloy chips

Magnesium alloy chips

Magnesium alloy grade for producing magnesium alloy chips can depend on the specific application and the desired properties of the final product. Several magnesium alloy grades are commonly used in different industries, including automotive, aerospace, and general engineering. 

Magnesium alloy grades

AZ91: This is a widely used magnesium alloy grade containing 9% aluminum and 1% zinc. It offers good strength, excellent castability, and good corrosion resistance. AZ91 is often used in automotive components, such as engine blocks and transmission cases.

$4 to $15 per kilogram. 

AZ31: Another popular magnesium alloy grade, AZ31, contains 3% aluminum and 1% zinc. It exhibits good strength and weldability, along with improved corrosion resistance compared to pure magnesium. AZ31 is commonly used in applications such as sheet metal forming, extrusions, and die castings.

$3 to $10 per kilogram

AM60: AM60 is a magnesium alloy grade that contains 6% aluminum and small amounts of manganese. It offers good strength, excellent castability, and good creep resistance. AM60 is often used in automotive applications, such as steering columns and instrument panels.

$5 to $15 per kilogram.

ZK60: ZK60 is a magnesium alloy grade that contains approximately 6% zinc and a small amount of zirconium. It has excellent strength, good corrosion resistance, and high impact resistance. ZK60 is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications, as well as sporting goods and electronic devices.

$6 to $18 per kilogram.

 Examples

These are just a few examples of the magnesium alloy grades used in different industries. Other grades, such as AZ80, AZ91D, and WE43, also find applications in specific areas

Thixocasting Process: Once the chips are produced, they can be used as the feedstock material for the thixocasting process. Thixocasting involves heating the chips to the semi-solid temperature range, where they partially melt to form a semi-solid slurry. The slurry is then injected or poured into a die or mold under controlled conditions. The semi-solid state of the material allows it to flow more easily and fill complex mold cavities while still maintaining the desired shape. The part is then cooled, solidified, and removed from the mold.

Thixocasting is advantageous for magnesium alloys as it enables the production of components with improved mechanical properties, such as higher strength and better dimensional accuracy compared to conventional casting methods. Additionally, it allows for the manufacturing of intricate and lightweight parts.