Magnesium alloy powder

Magnesium alloy powder combines the low density of magnesium with precisely tailored material properties. Alloying elements such as aluminium, zinc, manganese, zirconium or rare earths can be used to influence, amongst other things, strength, temperature resistance and corrosion behaviour. It therefore offers a wide range of possibilities for lightweight construction and additive manufacturing.

The alloy composition, the powder properties and the intended manufacturing process are crucial when selecting the right powder. NMD Metalpowders can help you tailor these requirements to your specific application.

Technical features and advantages

• Low density: Magnesium alloys are among the lightest metallic structural materials and enable the production of weight-optimised components.
• Adjustable mechanical properties: The alloy composition, processing and heat treatment determine the strength and deformation behaviour.
• A wide range of alloy systems: Different compositions offer solutions for a range of mechanical and thermal requirements.
• Processing as a powder: Particle size distribution, particle shape and flow behaviour influence the suitability of the material for the respective manufacturing process.

An overview of magnesium alloys: AZ91 and WE43

AZ91 and WE43 are among the best-known magnesium alloys. They differ in their composition and the resulting material properties:

• Magnesium alloy powder AZ91: A magnesium-aluminium-zinc alloy which is of interest for lightweight construction applications and selected powder-based manufacturing processes.
• Magnesium alloy powder WE43: Magnesium alloy containing yttrium and other rare earth elements, designed for applications with demanding mechanical and thermal requirements.

The choice of alloy for your project depends on the required component properties, the operating environment and the manufacturing process.

Corrosion behaviour and surface protection

The corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys cannot be assessed in general terms. In addition to the alloy composition, impurities, the microstructure of the component and the operating conditions all influence its behaviour. Additional protective measures may be required in damp or corrosive environments. A suitable Surface coating can form part of a protection strategy tailored to the application.

Applications of magnesium alloy powder

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing

Magnesium alloy powder is used for the additive manufacturing using metal powders researched and utilised. The focus here is on complex geometries, weight-optimised structures and the development of new component designs. This requires suitable powder quality, as well as equipment and process parameters tailored to the alloy. The properties of the finished component result from the interplay between the powder, process control and post-processing.

Automotive, aerospace and electronics

In the Automotive industry and the Aerospace Magnesium alloys are of interest due to their potential for lightweight construction. Weight reduction is also a key consideration for the housings and components of electronic devices. Whether an application can be realised using powder-based processes must be assessed on the basis of the component requirements and the specific process involved.

Enquire about magnesium alloy powders from NMD Metalpowders

Magnesium alloy powder offers a wide range of possibilities for lightweight components designed to meet specific requirements. NMD Metalpowders combines many years of experience in the metal powder industry with an international network of suppliers. We can advise you on material selection and assist with professional procurement in line with your technical specifications and required quantities.

Enquire about magnesium alloy powder now and get personalised advice.