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Magnesium CNC Machining Services

Magnesium, a unique metal material in the CNC machine tool workshop, poses high processing risks due to its flammability. Experience in magnesium machining is crucial for engineers.

Expertise in Magnesium CNC machining sets AT-Machining apart, delivering impeccable precision and exceptional quality.

Save 30% cost on average!

magnesium cnc machined part

AT-Machining's Capacity and Service for Magnesium CNC machining

With expertise in process safety, AT-Machining provides reliable and precise solutions for Magnesium components.

Our ISO9001-certified machine shop ensures unbeatable accuracy on custom designs, from prototyping to production. Our experienced professionals specialize in CNC services such as milling, turning, and lathe work. Enjoy personalized support and guidance throughout your project for guaranteed success.

Tolerances Wall Thickness Max Part Size Lead Time
The achievable machining tolerances depend on the specific type of Titanium being used, but typically a tolerance of 0.005 inches can be achieved. It is possible to achieve a minimum wall thickness of 0.03 inches (0.8mm), although this may vary based on the ratio of wall thickness to planar dimension as well as the specific type of titanium being used. The maximum part size that can be realized is 2000 x 800 x 1000 mm. The minimum lead time for commonly used titanium is 7 days, but this may vary depending on the specific type of titanium and whether the parts are being manufactured internationally.
material magnesium

About The Material

Magnesium is a remarkable metal known for its light weight and impressive strength. Often dubbed the “silver-white wonder,” magnesium is the eighth most abundant element on Earth and the third most commonly used metal, following iron and aluminum. It’s a vital component in many of today’s industries, from aerospace to electronics.

When it comes to CNC machining, magnesium stands out due to its ease of machining and its ability to produce intricate and precise components. But what makes magnesium so special? Let’s delve into its key characteristics.

The Most Common Grade of Magnesium for CNC Machining

Selecting the right grade of magnesium for CNC machining hinges on the unique needs of the application, whether it’s strength, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, or budget considerations. We recommend engaging with an informed supplier or manufacturer to pinpoint the optimal magnesium grade tailored to your project’s specifics.

Description: AZ31B is a versatile magnesium alloy that is widely used in various industries. It’s known for its excellent machinability and weldability.

Composition: Primarily alloyed with 3% aluminum and 1% zinc.

Properties: Offers increased strength over pure magnesium, good vibration damping, and excellent corrosion resistance.

Applications: Commonly used in aircraft fuselages, laptop frames, and camera bodies.

Description: This alloy stands out for its superior corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for many applications.

Composition: Contains 9% aluminum and 1% zinc.

Properties: Offers a good balance of strength and flexibility with excellent castability.

Applications: Widely used in automotive parts, electronic devices, and aerospace components.

Description: A high-strength alloy that’s often chosen for demanding applications in aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors.

Composition: Enriched with yttrium and rare earth elements.

Properties: Known for its high strength, especially at elevated temperatures, and good machinability.

Applications: Suitable for aerospace components, racing engines, and missile parts.

Description: Recognized for its impressive ductility and energy-absorbing properties.

Composition: Comprises 6% aluminum and a trace amount of manganese.

Properties: Offers excellent die-castability and a good balance of strength and ductility.

Applications: Primarily used in automotive applications, especially for safety-critical parts.

 

Description: A top choice for applications requiring high strength and good machinability.

Composition: Alloyed with zinc and zirconium.

Properties: Offers high tensile strength and good corrosion resistance.

Applications: Commonly used in aerospace components and structural applications.

Description: A high-performance alloy suitable for demanding applications.

Composition: Contains silver and rare earth elements.

Properties: Known for its excellent mechanical properties, especially at high temperatures.

Applications: Used in aerospace components and high-performance automotive parts.

Comparison of common Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium suitable for your project can always be found at AT-Machining

Tensile Strength Ultimate Tensile Strength Yield Elongation at Break Tensile Modulus (Elastic modulus) Hardness, Vickers Feature
Magnesium AZ31B Alloy 260 MPa (37,700 psi) 200 Mpa (29000 psi) 15% 44.8 Gpa (6498 ksi) 88 Magnesium AZ31B alloy is lightweight and has high machinability. It is often anodized to improve its corrosion resistance. It is an alternative to aluminum alloys due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and is widely available compared to other magnesium grades.
Magnesium AZ91D Alloy 240-250 MPa (35-36 ksi) 160 MPa (23.20 ksi) 3-7% 45 GPa (6526 ksi) 60-70 Magnesium AZ91D cast alloy is a high-purity alloy that has excellent corrosion resistance, excellent castability, and good strength. It is the most commonly used magnesium die casting alloy.
Magnesium WE43 Alloy 250 MPa (36,259 psi) 220-250 Mpa 2% 41-45 Gpa 85-105 Magnesium Elektron WE43 is a high-strength casting alloy that can be used in temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F). This alloy boasts good mechanical properties coupled with excellent corrosion resistance.
Magnesium AM60B Alloy 225-240 MPa (33-35 ksi) 130 MPa (18 ksi) 8-13% 45 GPa (6526 ksi) - Magnesium AM60B cast alloy is known for its excellent ductility, superior energy-absorbing properties, and good strength and castability.
Magnesium ZK60A Alloy 365 MPa (52,900 psi) 305 MPa (44,200 psi) 11% 44.8 GPa (6,498 ksi) 100 Magnesium ZK60A is machinable but flammable. Lubricants and fire kits are essential during machining. It's popular in aircraft parts such as brake housings, landing gear, and instrument bodies.
Magnesium QE22A Alloy 260 MPa (37,700 psi) 195 MPa (28,300 psi) 3% 45 GPa (6,530 ksi) 90 Magnesium QE22A-T6 alloy is a casting alloy with excellent tensile, fatigue, and creep properties at both elevated and room temperatures. It is weldable and pressure-tight.

AT-Machining

On-demand Magnesium CNC Machining With Custom Finishes.
You Design It, We'll Make It.

CNC Machined Magnesium Applications

CNC-machined magnesium components are incredibly adaptable, serving industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense. The precision of CNC machining ensures detailed magnesium parts with strict tolerances, essential for numerous applications.

magnesium aerospace components gearbox casings

Aerospace Components

Magnesium's lightweight properties make it ideal for aerospace parts, reducing the overall weight of aircraft. Components include gearbox casings, seat frames, and other structural parts.

magnesium steering wheel columns

Automotive Parts

In the automotive industry, magnesium is used for parts like steering wheel columns, housings, and dashboard structures. Its light weight contributes to fuel efficiency.

magnesium surgical instruments

Medical Equipment

Magnesium alloys are biocompatible, making them suitable for medical devices like surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and equipment housings.

magnesium camera casings

Electronics Casings

Magnesium is used in electronic devices such as laptops, cameras, and smartphones for its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties and lightweight nature.

magnesium missile components

Military and Defense

Due to its strength-to-weight ratio, magnesium is used in military applications like missile and aircraft components, as well as in equipment housings.

magnesium robotic part

Robotics and Automation

Magnesium parts are used in robotics for their lightweight and high strength, ensuring efficient movement and durability.

Surface Finishes For CNC Machined Magnesium Parts

AT-Machining offers a variety of finishes for your CNC-machined magnesium parts, including Anodizing, Polishing, Passivation, Bead Blasting, Powder Coating, and Plating. Each finish has unique benefits, so choose the one that best fits your needs!

bead blasted

Sand or Bead Blasting

A process where abrasive materials are blasted onto the magnesium part's surface to create a matte or textured finish. It's useful for removing surface imperfections and preparing the part for other finishes.

anodizing titanium

Anodizing

An electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer on the magnesium surface. This layer enhances corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and provides a better adhesive surface for paints and primers.

chromate conversion coating

Chromate Conversion Coating

A chemical process that applies a chromate film onto the magnesium surface. This coating offers improved corrosion resistance, serves as a primer for subsequent coatings, and can provide electrical conductivity.

passivation

Passivation

A chemical treatment that forms a protective oxide layer on the magnesium surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance.

powder coat

Powder Coating

A dry finishing process where a powdered paint is electrostatically applied and then cured under heat. It provides a durable, uniform, and attractive finish.

plating

Plating

Applying liquid paint to the magnesium part for aesthetic appeal and added protection against corrosion.

magnesium alloy polishing

Polishing

A process that smoothens the magnesium surface to give it a shiny, mirror-like finish. It enhances the part's appearance and can also improve its resistance to corrosion.

magnesium electroplating

Electroplating

A process where a thin layer of metal (like nickel or chrome) is deposited onto the magnesium part using an electrical current. It enhances the part's appearance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

magnesium laser marking

Laser Marking

A non-contact process that uses a laser to mark or engrave the magnesium surface. It's ideal for adding logos, barcodes, or other identifiers.

Magnesium CNC Machining Expert

Our team provides top-notch manufacturing services, catering to customers in a variety of different industries.

We excel at taking on projects that range from complex medical devices and aerospace tech to smaller-scale hardware startups or marine robotics – no job is too big or small!

The video on the right shows our factory milling a customized magnesium alloy AZ31B part.

Why Choose AT for Custom CNC Machining?

Saving Your Cost

You will save 30-50% of the cost because of our efficient production capacity and cost control.

Quality Assurance

As an ISO 9001:2015 certificated manufacturing company, we offer SGS, RoHS, material certifications, and inspection report for our customers.

On-demand Production

Our CNC milling services will support you from 1 pcs to 10k+ pcs, no matter prototype, low volume manufacture, or mass production.

High Precision Tolerances

Offering tolerances range from +/-0.001′′ to 0.005′′, depending on client specifications. We are experts in producing custom components.

Material Selection

Choose from 50+ engineering-grade plastics and metals, including ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, PEEK, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and Steel for diverse part applications and industries.

Fast and Reliably Delivery

Experience dependable and punctual delivery of your products from our CNC facility strategically located in Shenzhen, China, near major shipping ports for seamless transportation and peace of mind.

CNC Machining Magnesium FAQs

Magnesium is lightweight, has a high strength-to-weight ratio, and offers excellent machinability, making it ideal for various applications ranging from aerospace to electronics.

While magnesium is flammable, with the right precautions, such as using specific cutting fluids and maintaining a controlled environment, it can be safely machined.

Magnesium is about two-thirds the density of aluminum. It offers a similar or even better machinability and has a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it a preferred choice for weight-sensitive applications.

Magnesium can corrode, especially in humid environments. Storing magnesium parts in a dry place and considering protective coatings to enhance their longevity is essential.

While magnesium can be more expensive than some metals, its benefits like lightweight and high strength-to-weight ratio often justify the cost, especially in specific industries like aerospace.

Yes, magnesium is often alloyed with elements like aluminum, zinc, and manganese to enhance its mechanical properties.

Get your parts into production today!