Re: Machining Magnesium AZ31B

On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 06:52:40 -0500, wws <windells@xxxxxx> wrote:

>CDC wrote:
>
>> Hello, our shop is looking to make some parts on the mill using Magnesium
>> AZ31B. We were wondering if there is a hazard in machining this steel and
>> how easy is it to machine? Does it react with the dust as titanium in
>> catching on fire?
>>
>> Thanks in advance!
>>
>>
>I would:
>Do not mix the chips with any other, aluminium, steel. etc.
>Wear a CO2 fire extinguisher on by belt.

CO2 is NOT for Magnesium !!!!

NO NO NO !!!

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem03/chem03530.htm

In addition, it would just blow anything burning already (think
fines) about and make matters far worse.

Don't use water either. Water actually is an oxident for such
metal fires.

http://www.wndu.com/news/012005/news_39706.php

> That way at least I can put myself out, forget the shop.

Why would you be burning?
Stop, drop & roll.

I may have misunderstood your intent but ....

>(a co-worker tried brazing a horiz. mill floating in mag chips and was
>off work a month. My job was pullin' the oxy-acet cart out of the
>conflaguration. Slight Pucker Factor, there. :)

Zirconium fires are bad too.

BTW, It's a GOOD IDEA to contact your local fire department
first & let them know what you are doing.
Then if you do have a problem, they can bring the right
things .... one hopes <g>.

>Anyway, I like machining it. Intersting substance for research.

If you had an optical pyrometer & watched the chips at the
cutting edge .... keeping everything well under 500 degrees F ...

BTW:
[
Important.. When machining magnesium there is a fire hazard risk if
water based cutting fluids are used. Hot water reacting with
magnesium results in the production of hydrogen gas. Magnesium should
be machined dry or with a low acid anhydrous oil /mineral based oil.
]
Source:
http://www.roymech.co.uk/Useful_Tables/Manufacturing/CutFluid.html

--
Cliff
.

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