Magnesium rods and bars are semi-finished products manufactured from high-purity magnesium or magnesium alloys. They are valued for ultra-low density, excellent machinability, high damping capacity, and electrochemical activity.
Unlike magnesium powder or die castings, rods and bars are used where machining, extrusion, sacrificial behavior, or lightweight structural performance is required.
Chemical Composition
Pure Magnesium (Commercially Pure)
| Element | Typical wt% |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≥ 99.8 |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.02 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.02 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.005 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.01 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.001 |
Fe, Cu, and Ni are tightly controlled due to their severe negative effect on corrosion resistance.
Common Magnesium Alloy Grades
| Alloy | Main Elements | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| AZ31 | 3% Al, 1% Zn | Structural, machining |
| AZ61 | 6% Al, 1% Zn | Higher strength |
| AZ80 | 8% Al | Aerospace |
| ZK60 | Zn + Zr | High strength forgings |
| WE43 | Y + rare earths | Aerospace, high temperature |
| M1 / M2 | Mn-containing | Sacrificial anodes |
Mechanical Properties
Pure Magnesium Rods
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90 – 110 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 20 – 35 MPa |
| Elongation | 8 – 15% |
| Elastic Modulus | ~45 GPa |
| Hardness | ~30 HB |
| Fatigue Strength | Low – Moderate |
Magnesium Alloy Rods (AZ31)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 250 – 275 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 150 – 200 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 18% |
| Hardness | 60 – 70 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.74 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 650 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1090 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150 – 160 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~38% IACS |
| Damping Capacity | Very high |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
Key Characteristics
✔ Ultra-lightweight
✔ High specific strength
✔ Excellent vibration damping
✔ Easy machinability
✔ Electrochemically active
✔ Non-magnetic & EMI-friendly
Applications
Structural & Industrial
Lightweight brackets, housings, aerospace fixtures, automotive components
Sacrificial Anodes
Pipelines, water heaters, tanks, marine and underground structures
Aerospace & Defense
Aircraft tooling, missile components, temporary supports
Electronics & Thermal
EMI shielding frames, heat dissipation components
Advantages
✔ Lightest structural metal available
✔ Excellent machinability
✔ High vibration damping
✔ Strong sacrificial corrosion protection
✔ Recyclable and energy-efficient
Limitations
❌ Corrosion sensitivity
❌ Fire risk in chips and fines
❌ Limited cold formability
❌ Requires surface protection
Why Choose Magnesium Rods & Bars?
Choose magnesium rods and bars when weight reduction, extensive machining, vibration damping, sacrificial corrosion protection, and high performance per kilogram are critical design drivers.