Magnesium Industry's Lightest Structural Metal

AFTER reviewing briefly the history of the aluminum and magnesium industries, the author describes foundry practice in the production of magnesium and magnesium-alloy castings, their heat-treatment and the effect of various fabrication processes on the microstructure and physical properties. The general classes of commercial magnesium-base alloys now in use in this Country are discussed at some length with particular reference to the combination of extreme lightness with good physical and mechanical properties that is obtained.

Applications of magnesium alloys in the aircraft and automobile industries are outlined in a section of the paper. Many of these are illustrated.

In conclusion the author states that the importance of magnesium as a structural metal is now being recognized, especially as the factors that have retarded its development and restricted its use are overcome.