ABSTRACT

Magnesium (Mg) alloy melts must be protected against oxidation and burning during melting, alloying, and casting. Flux inclusions in the castings are not uncommon, which creates a major hindrance to the development of Mg. Due to the low workability of Mg alloy, the fabrication technique of sheet or plate was once described as "the best-kept secret in the nonferrous industry." Mg plates are commonly manufactured by rolling and more recently by twin-roll strip casting. Mg wires with small diameter are needed for resorbable suture applications as well as for knitting of stents. Mg electrode wires or filler wires are also used in the welding of Mg. The generated heat is one of the main problems for Mg alloy machining, which may lead to ignition of the chips. Several kinds of coolants are used to reduce the surface temperature of the Mg alloy.