Machining magnesium
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a recognised leader in the machining of magnesium alloys, with decades of expertise in developing and processing lightweight materials for critical applications.
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal and exhibits excellent machinability. Some of the advantages of machining magnesium compared to other commonly used metals include:
- Low power required – approximately 55% of that required for Al.
- Fast machining – employing the use of high cutting speeds, large feed rates and greater depths of cut.
- Excellent surface finish – extremely fine & smooth surface achieved.
- Well broken chips – due to the free-cutting qualities of magnesium.
- Reduced tool wear – leading to increased tool life. To fully exploit and enjoy the advantages of machining magnesium, it is important that the unique characteristics of the metal are understood.
