Magnesium, one of the lightest and most commonly used structural metals, is fast becoming a popular choice for manufacturing in the automobile industry. It soon may be even more popular than steel.
Magnesium has been in great demand since U.S. auto manufacturers introduced components made of this metal in 1996. In addition to being one of the lightest structural metals available, magnesium is one of the primary metals used in the making of die-casting alloys.
The business of die-casting has grown into a huge market for magnesium, second only to aluminum alloying. Some of the largest automotive companies in the U.S. have made or announced big changes in the manufacturing of their cars regarding the use of magnesium and magnesium alloys in place of steel. When Ford Motors introduced its Mustang Cobra model, it contained a one-piece magnesium alloy die-casting in the frames of the driver’s seat cushion. It weighed only 1.6 kg and was designed to replace multi-piece steel assemblies. General Motors has abandoned the use of steel in its steering column supports. The company approved the use of magnesium alloys in three models, starting in 1996, and now uses 5,000 tons of magnesium alloy annually. Chrysler uses 300 tonnes of magnesium alloy per year to manufacture steering column brackets. Magnesium is also found in auto parts such as cam covers, brake and clutch pedal brackets and transfer cases.
With more car-makers using magnesium for their die-castings and other parts, demand for the metal is expected to grow at a rapid pace. However, primary production of the metal has been falling below demand since 1992. If production and supply continue to decrease, higher prices could discourage manufacturers from choosing magnesium for new components. Demand for this light and useful metal could become stagnant, or even decline, unless production becomes more plentiful than it is today.
— The preceding appeared in Mining Voice, the publication of the National Mining Association.
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