Magnesium Metal is available as disc, granules, ingot, pellets, pieces, powder , rod, wire, sputtering target and in numerous other forms and custom shapes. Ultra high purity and high purity forms also include metal powder, submicron powder and nanoscale, quantum dots, targets for thin film deposition, pellets for evaporation and single crystal or polycrystalline forms. Elements can also be introduced into alloys or other systems as fluorides, oxides or chlorides or as solutions. Magnesium metal is generally immediately available in most volumes. We produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP. Typical and custom packaging is available. Additional technical, research and safety (MSDS) information is available as is a Reference Calculator for converting relevant units of measurement.

Uses of magnesium

Magnesium is the third most used metal in construction (after iron and aluminium). Nearly 70% of the world production of magnesium is used to make alloys, which have a very low density, comparatively high strength and excellent machinability. These alloys contain one or more of the elements aluminium, zinc, manganese or silicon in various amounts, depending on how the alloy is to be processed.

Half of these alloys are used to make die castings with about 90% magnesium. Car components such as steering wheel cores, gearbox casings, dashboard structures and radiator supports are often made from high pressure die cast magnesium alloys.

Zirconium and rare earth elements are added in some alloys to make the alloy stronger. This group of alloys is normally sand-cast into parts such as helicopter gearboxes and jet engine auxiliary gearboxes. Some high performance cars are made of a magnesium alloy as are casings for cameras.

Another half of the magnesium used in alloys is as an alloying additive, in the aluminium industry. The alloys are used in packaging, particularly in drinks (beverage) cans and in foil to protect food.