Allite Super Magnesium alloy is a middle ground between carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum. The alloy was originally only available to military and aerospace, but is now being adopted by other applications since it’s lighter than aluminum and not as expensive as carbon fiber, according to New Atlas.
These magnesium alloys are launching at the Interbike cycling expo in Reno.
Each of the three alloys, which include AE81, ZE62 and WE54, have their own strengths: weldability, forgeability and high temperature work, respectively. They are all resistant to corrosion, and have hardness and electrical insulation properties. They are also the only magnesium alloys that melt, instead of burning, under a 650 degree Celsius (1,200 degree Fahrenheit) flame.
Additionally, they are about 20 percent more dense than carbon-epoxy composite, but 33 percent less dense than aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum.
Allite claims the alloys have “the lowest carbon footprint of any structural material throughout the value chain,” and are 100 percent recyclable.
These alloys have been in development since 2006, the company said, but had “only been authorized for use in classified defense and aerospace applications … until now.”
Allite said these alloys will be appropriate for use in sporting goods, drones, locomotive engine components and even smartphone exteriors.
Allite Super Magnesium bicycle frame Credit: Allite
Filed Under: Materials • advanced
