Development of Practical High Temperature Magnesium Casting Alloys

Summary

The major current growth in use of Mg alloys is in the high volume commercial automotive sector where the major driver is weight saving to maximise fuel economy and minimise emissions. To achieve further substantial increases in usage in commercial vehicles, Mg must be utilised in engine and transmission components. These applications require better high temperature strength and creep resistance than is possible with currently available commercial alloys. However, in this case, alloy cost represents a much more significant proportion of the component cost, since high volume production techniques are used (e.g. HPDC). Alloy cost therefore becomes a major restricting factor in the development of improved alloys.

This paper considers the current “state-of-the-art” in both areas and examines some of the characteristics required to achieve an acceptable balance of physical and mechanical properties with practical foundry characteristics and cost.