FAQs

The carbon footprint of magnesium alloys is significantly influenced by the extraction and processing of raw magnesium.

Magnesium production could be very energy-intensive, particularly when using the Pidgeon process, which relies on coal to reduce magnesium oxide.

However, advancements such as electrolytic processes powered by renewable energy sources offer promising opportunities to lower the carbon footprint of magnesium production.

Also, recycling magnesium alloys provides a more sustainable alternative, requiring only a small fraction of the energy used for primary production.

Moreover, the lightweight nature of magnesium alloys helps reduce global fuel consumption and thus greenhouse gas emissions, especially in transportation industries like aerospace and automotive.

Standard magnesium alloys are highly susceptible to corrosion, especially in environments with high humidity or exposure to saltwater.

However, modern magnesium alloys are formulated with reduced impurities and enhanced properties, often used combined with REACH-compliant protective coatings. Advanced alloys, such as Elektron 21®, offer superior corrosion resistance, maintaining high performance over extended periods in harsh conditions.

In aerospace and military industries, selecting the right materials and applying advanced protective coatings are critical to ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of components exposed to corrosive environments.

Magnesium is one of the easiest metals to machine due to its low density and excellent cutting properties. It allows for high-speed machining with minimal tool wear, producing clean, precise finishes in shorter lead times compared to other metals.

However, magnesium’s flammability requires careful handling during machining. Fine magnesium chips or dust created during machining are highly combustible and pose the greatest risk of ignition. To mitigate these risks, chips should be stored in sealed drums and proper housekeeping is necessary to prevent dust accumulation. These precautions ensure safe machining operations while taking advantage of magnesium’s exceptional machinability.

Magnesium’s flammability can present safety challenges in aerospace applications.

However, advancements in materials science have led to the development of self-extinguishing magnesium alloys, such as Elektron® 21. This new-generation alloy meets the stringent flammability criteria set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), making it suitable for critical aerospace applications, including aircraft engine components, helicopter gearboxes, and various interior parts.

In addition to improved safety, these alloys demonstrate enhanced performances at elevated temperatures, such as up to 200 °C.

Magnesium alloys are known for being exceptionally lightweight compared to other materials commonly used in engineering. Here’s a comparison of their density (an indicator of weight) with other materials:

Magnesium vs. Aluminum: Magnesium alloys are about 30-35% lighter than aluminum alloys, making them ideal for weight-sensitive applications like aerospace and automotive.

Magnesium vs. Titanium: Magnesium is significantly lighter (~60% less dense) than titanium.

Magnesium vs. PEEK Plastic: Magnesium is slightly heavier than PEEK (a high-performance plastic), but it provides superior mechanical properties like stiffness and heat resistance.

Yes, zirconia is used in catalytic converters due to its ability to support catalytic reactions and withstand high temperatures. It helps in reducing harmful emissions from automotive exhaust systems.

Zirconia has excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications. It can withstand temperatures up to 2400°C, which is higher than many other ceramics.

Luxfer MEL Technologies ensures the quality of its zirconia products through rigorous quality control processes, including material testing, certification, and adherence to industry standards.

Zirconia, or zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. It is commonly used in various industrial applications due to its high resistance to heat and corrosion.

Our Zirconium is commonly used in the Automotive industry, Paper industry, Ceramics, Medical, Green energy and more. Feel free to contact us to find out more

Yes, As we use an ATS system, this allows you to communicate directly with our recruitment team

We offer Apprenticeships – please keep your eye on our careers page as well as Find an apprenticeship on the gov.uk website. You must be 18 to be eligible for an apprenticeship due to Health & Safety and the nature of our site.