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!
It's not a steel.
Easy.
Easily.
Michael Dahms
Eh, yes. AZ31B is a Magnesium alloy not a steel. Magnesium parts are very easy to machine, but can ignite. If you take care and don't try to cut too fast this shouldn't be an issue, though I reccommend that you have a Mg-fire extinguisher around cause if it goes off they can be hard to put out. Make sure that you clean all the swarf off afterwards and dispose of it as a hazardous material.
Cheers
Sleepy
Ps, I'd reccomend cutting them dry without cooling fluid since it tends to spark in water.
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