Search Results

The qualification process leading to the utilization of refined recycled, high ductility magnesium alloys for automotive components at Chrysler Corporation is described. This process encompassed the steps from demonstrated process control during ingot production through the parallel performance testing of components produced from both electrolytic and refined recycled AM50A and AM60B alloys. The results of chemical analysis, optical and electron metallography, image analysis and corrosion testing of the ingot materials showed the electrolytic and refined recycled forms of the alloys to be indistinguishable. Mechanical property and salt spray corrosion tests of die cast specimens from the materials demonstrated their equivalence as well. Finally, the results of specified vehicle performance tests for three production components indicated that castings made from refined recycled AM50A and AM60B performed equally to their counterparts from electrolytic alloy materials.

Interest in ductile, tough magnesium alloys has been stimulated by designers seeking lightweight, efficient steering control structures. The simultaneous need for deformable, energy-absorbing components redirected metallurgists to consider the impact behavior of “high-ductility”, AM-series, magnesium alloys. This paper provides a comparison between the “workhorse” AZ91D magnesium alloy and the less-common, AM60B alloy. Specific application to a steering column bracket illustrates the development processes involved in selecting the appropriate alloy.