The Lightness and Strength of Magnesium -
The Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum

Magnesium weighs only one fifth the weight of steel and is even one third lighter than aluminum! For many years, magnesium was often perceived as being very susceptible to corrosion. In reality, most alloys, when properly produced, can withstand quite harsh environments. Admittedly, however, the ideal situation would be a magnesium alloy which could compete with the corrosion resistance of aluminum. The ideal has become reality.

In the early mid-1980's Wellman and Dow Chemical pioneered the development of AZ9lE magnesium alloy for the sand casting industry. This was the first magnesium sand casting alloy confirmed to have corrosion resistance comparable to that of many aluminum alloys. And we have the salt-fog corrosion testing data to prove it.

Fansteel/Wellman Dynamics is currently the world's largest producer of AZ9lE.

Due to its light weight, high strength, and vibration absorbtion, magnesium is ideally suited to aerospace applications. Certain alloys have been developed which retain their strength at elevated temperatures typically found in these demanding roles. One such alloy is WE43A.

Although it is very difficult to cast, from a design standpoint WE43A has many advantages:

• High yield strength up to 400°F (204°C).
• Superior creep and fatigue strength at service temps.
• Excellent corrosion characteristics.
• Castings are pressure tight and weldable.

Contact our engineering department for more information on these two alloys.