Exploring the Properties of Magnesium Alloys: Lightweight Solutions for High-Performance Applications
Luxfer MEL Technologies Lightweight Magnesium Alloys
Luxfer MEL Technologies has created a unique range of lightweight extruded magnesium alloys that offer numerous advantages over conventional materials.
Low Density and High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Magnesium alloys have a key property that sets them apart from other metals: their low density. With a density of just 1.74 g/cm3, magnesium alloys are significantly lighter than aluminum (2.7 g/cm3) and steel (7.8 g/cm3). This lightweight characteristic makes them a popular choice for applications where weight reduction is essential, such as in aerospace and automotive industries.
Another notable property of magnesium alloys is their high strength-to-weight ratio. These alloys can achieve tensile strengths comparable to other structural metals like aluminum and steel, while maintaining a much lower weight. This balance of strength and weight reduction makes magnesium alloys an ideal choice for applications that demand both qualities.
Machinability, Castability, and Corrosion Resistance
Magnesium alloys are known for their excellent machinability, allowing them to be easily cast, forged, and extruded. They can be welded and brazed without difficulty, and exhibit good corrosion resistance. Additionally, magnesium alloys possess remarkable damping properties, making them valuable for applications requiring vibration isolation and noise reduction.
Luxfer’s Elektron® 43 Alloy: A Game-Changer in Magnesium Applications
Luxfer MEL Technologies has developed a range of unique magnesium alloys that further enhance the benefits of magnesium materials. The Elektron® 43 alloy is a lightweight, high-strength wrought magnesium alloy designed for use at temperatures up to 250˚C. Designs incorporating Elektron® 43 can achieve a 20% to 30% weight reduction compared to a corresponding aluminum design.
Elektron® 43 is available in various forms, including rolled plate, forging feedstock, and extruded bar, section, and profile. This alloy represents an optimised wrought evolution of the original casting alloy, Elektron® WE43.
The properties of Elektron® 43 make it well-suited for use as feedstock material for machining high-performance components, particularly those associated with elevated temperature performance.
Conclusion
Magnesium alloys, with their low density and high strength-to-weight ratio, are a fascinating class of materials suitable for a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Luxfer MEL Technologies’ Elektron® 43 alloy is a testament to the potential of magnesium alloys in revolutionising various industries.
Unlock the potential of lightweight materials for your high-performance projects! Discover how magnesium alloys can fit within your projects and get in touch with the team today.
Rick Tonge MBA
Product Line Manager
Europe, Middle East & Asia
Based in Manchester, UK, Rick supports our oilfield customers outside of North America. Partnering with our global customers, Rick enables his clients to design high performance products using Luxfer’s dissolving and non-dissolving material technology. Why not reach out to Rick today to discuss how Luxfer’s innovative material technology can work in your completion tools setup?