Magnesium semi-finished products for vehicle construction

At the Institute of Metal Forming, basic research-oriented and application oriented, two research foci on magnesium are pursued. One focus is on the production of semi-finished products for magnesium sheets and strip production by twin-roll-casting, the other focus is on the production of long products as wire, intended for the fabrication of joining elements. Magnesium sheets produced by twin-roll-casting and subsequent rolling offer very good processing properties and are partly superior to conventionally produced sheets. Advantages result from a shortened process chain whose technology leads to a favourable initial condition for strip production. Additionally, economical advantages due to the few process steps clearly exist. Wire production for the production of joining elements is based on a specifically developed calibration which causes advantageous stress and deformation conditions during caliber rolling. Properties of both product groups of magnesium alloy AZ21, AZ31, AZ91 and WE43 are described comprehensively. Their application for the production of parts and components is shown on examples.