Some tips of　Magnesium alloy parts machining

Magnesium（Mg.）alloy is very popular used in automotive, engineering industries because of very strong strength while very light, easy processing, high processing accuracy characteristics.  

However, it is easy to oxidize, and the chips can even catch fire during processing, special attention should be paid during the whole process.  Based on our production practice, we have summarized the following points:  

Cutting fluid  

One of the purposes of the coolant is to extend the service life of the tool. For better cooling, the cutting oil should have a low viscosity.　At the same time, in order to prevent corrosion of magnesium alloy parts, the free acid content in the cutting fluid should be less than 0.2%.  Or we can directly purchase special cutting fluid for magnesium alloy machining.   

Machining processing  

Keep cutting tools sharp. 

In general, try to use large feed for processing, avoid using small feed, in order to produce large thickness of chips. Mineral oil coolants are used to reduce cooling when small cuts are used.  If magnesium alloy parts are lined with steel cores, be careful of sparking when they collide with the tool.  

 

Safety in processing  

Fine metal particles or powder generated in the process of mechanical processing are at risk of combustion or explosion. A special area should be designated on site for magnesium alloy parts processing.  At the same time, it is strictly prohibited to operate in the machining working area which may produce open fire.  

The site should also be equipped with adequate fire extinguishing equipment.  D grade fire extinguishers are generally used: their materials are usually sodium chloride based powder or a graphite based powder that has been passivated. The principle is to extinguish the fire by removing oxygen.   

Dry chips should be placed in clean and sealed steel containers and stored away from water for resale.  

Wet chips and sludge should be stored in a ventilated steel container in an isolated location with sufficient ventilation to allow hydrogen to escape.