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Magnesium: Metals
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Magnesium is a commercially important metal with many uses. It is only two thirds as dense as aluminum. It is easily machined, cast, forged, and welded. It is used extensively in alloys, chiefly with aluminum and zinc, and with manganese. Magnesium alloys were used as early as 1910 in Germany. Early structural uses of magnesium alloys were in aircraft fuselages, engine parts, and wheels.
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Magnesium is the 6th most abundant element metal on the surface of the earth at about 2.5% of its composition. However, its high chemical reactivity means that it is not found in the metallic state in nature. Sea water contains 0.13% Mg and some production facilities use the magnesium content of sea water for the production of magnesium metal. This is often after the precipitation of other salts which leave a magnesium-rich brine.
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Magnesium burns with a brilliant white light and is used in pyrotechnics, flares and photographic flashbulbs. Magnesium is the lightest metal that can be used to build things, although its use as a structural material is limited since it burns at relatively low temperatures. Magnesium is frequently alloyed with aluminum, which makes aluminum easier to roll, extrude and weld. Magnesium-aluminum alloys are used where strong, lightweight materials are required, such as in airplanes, missiles and rockets. Cameras, horseshoes, baseball catchers' masks and snowshoes are other items that are made from magnesium alloys.
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Magnesium alloys are not difficult to find. Most major distributors carry at least one grade of magnesium alloy. However, the majority of them do not offer a wide range of shapes and sizes, and almost none can provide customized designs using magnesium alloys. All Metals & Forge offers an extensive collection of pre-made shapes of both AZ31B and AZ61A grade magnesium alloys.
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Magnesium metals are not affected by water at room temperature. Magnesium generally is a slow-reacting element, but reactivity increases with oxygen levels. Furthermore, magnesium reacts with water vapor to magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
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Magnesium is one of the most universal metals throughout the world. The element makes up a significant portion of the Earth's surface, and its strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to be machined make it a versatile metal in its pure form. When combined with other metals, magnesium can become stronger and be used in even more applications.
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