FAQs
WHAT IS MAGNESIUM?
Magnesium – atomic symbol Mg and atomic number
12 – is one of the most abundant elements in
the earth’s crust. It occurs in nature principally
as the minerals magnesite [MgCO3] and dolomite [(MgCaCO3]
and in seawater where it is the third most plentiful
component.
In its metallic form, magnesium metal has a number
of significant properties that are invaluable in our
advanced, technology driven environment. It is lightweight,
less than two thirds the weight of aluminium, with
a high strength-to-weight ratio. It
also has high damping and rigidity properties and as
such is finding increasing uses as a structural component
in a number of industries, especially the automobile,
aerospace and consumer product industries.
Magnesium metal can be machined faster and requires
less energy than any of the commonly used structural
metals such as steel and aluminium. This results in
significant improvements in tool life and hence savings.
MAGNESIUM ALLOYS
Magnesium alloys are relatively light – about 33% lighter than aluminium alloys and about 75% lighter than cast iron. In the automotive sector, magnesium alloys (generally magnesium alloyed with aluminium and either zinc or manganese) are used to make die cast components such as steering wheels, suspension components, seat frames and brake parts.
HOW ARE MAGNESIUM
ALLOYS PRODUCED?
Magnesium alloys are prepared by melting together
the required amounts of alloying components with magnesium
metal. The molten alloys are subjected to appropriate
refining techniques before being cast into ingots,
the size and shape of which are matched to the requirements
of the customer, such as a die caster producing components
for the automotive industry.
The salt refining technology used by Quay
Magnesium, on the other hand, yields products of the
required specifications.
WHAT IS THE
CURRENT AND FUTURE DEMAND FOR MAGNESIUM AND MAGNESIUM
ALLOYS?
Current world consumption of magnesium
alloys is approximately 250,000 tonne per annum.
Of the various applications of magnesium and its alloys,
die casting is the fastest growing sector of magnesium
consumption. For example, die casting applications
specific for the automotive industry are expected to
increase by about 8 – 10% per annum over the
next decade.
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