7. Magnesium and its alloys

Magnesium's density (only 1.7) predestines it for use in transport and, above all, aeronautics. However, its price, limited availability and particular difficulties (flammability) make its use quite exceptional, especially in sheet metal, which can currently only be obtained by rolling compacted powders. However, studies are currently underway to try and directly roll thin slabs obtained by continuous casting, which would make the product much cheaper and more available.

With its hexagonal crystal system, magnesium is not very cold-ductile, which limits its use to bent, rolled or slightly bent parts. There is, however, a (very expensive) Li-Al grade, specially developed for use in space programs, which cold-forms well (see specialized articles on properties and numerical data in the Metallurgy treatise).

Alloy sheets containing aluminum...