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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