our Metal Finishing

Magnesium & Aluminum Processing.

Specialized surface treatments for magnesium and aluminum alloys with corrosion protection and enhanced durability.

Lead Time

5-10 business days

Materials

Magnesium, Aluminum, Cast Aluminum Alloys

Certifications

MIL-M-3171

Industries

Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, Electronics, Motorsports

What Is Magnesium & Aluminum Processing?

Magnesium and aluminum processing requires specialized expertise due to the unique characteristics of these lightweight metals. Our certified partner facilities provide comprehensive surface treatment solutions specifically designed for these alloys.

Magnesium parts demand careful handling and specialized pre-treatment processes to prevent oxidation and ensure proper coating adhesion. Our processes include chromate and non-chromate conversion coatings, specialized cleaning procedures, and protective coatings that meet aerospace and automotive specifications.

Aluminum processing encompasses a wide range of treatments including chemical milling, precision cleaning, and preparation for subsequent finishing operations. We ensure proper surface conditioning to maximize adhesion and performance of any applied coatings.

Our Process

Magnesium & Aluminum Process.

Our streamlined process ensures quality results and on-time delivery for every project.

Material Identification

Alloy verification and incoming inspection to determine proper processing parameters.

Specialized Cleaning

Alkaline or acid cleaning specific to magnesium or aluminum alloy requirements.

Conversion Coating

Chromate or non-chromate conversion coating applied per specification.

Quality Verification

Coating weight, adhesion, and corrosion testing per applicable standards.

Documentation

Full certification and test reports per MIL-M-3171 or customer requirements.

Industries Served

Magnesium & Aluminum Solutions Across Industries

Aerospace & Aviation

Automotive

Defense

Electronics

Technical Specifications

Industry standards and material compatibility for Magnesium & Aluminum

Compatible Materials

AZ31B Magnesium

AZ91D Magnesium

ZK60A Magnesium

6061 Aluminum

2024 Aluminum

Cast Aluminum Alloys

Available Processes

Chromate Conversion

Polyurethane Topcoat

Non-Chromate Conversion

Acid Etch

Alkaline Clean

Deoxidize

Protective Coating

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Magnesium & Aluminum services.

Why does magnesium require specialized processing?

Magnesium is highly reactive and oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air. It requires specialized cleaning processes, careful handling during processing, and specific pre-treatments to ensure proper coating adhesion. Our partner facilities have the expertise and equipment to safely process magnesium components.

What finishes are available for magnesium alloys?

Common finishes for magnesium include chromate conversion coatings (per MIL-M-3171), non-chromate alternatives for RoHS compliance, epoxy primers, and specialized paint systems. We can also coordinate anodizing processes specifically designed for magnesium alloys.

Can you process both magnesium and aluminum in the same project?

Yes, we regularly coordinate projects involving both metals. However, they require different processing lines to prevent cross-contamination. Our partner facilities maintain separate process lines to ensure quality for each material.

What industries commonly use magnesium components?

Magnesium is popular in aerospace (housings, brackets), automotive (steering columns, dash frames), electronics (laptop cases), and defense applications due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Our network supports all these industries with appropriate certifications.
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