SEI Succeeds in Commercial Production of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Sheet

Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) announced on Thursday the firm succeeded in development and commercial production of AZ91 magnesium alloy sheet for the first time in the world by its original casting and rolling technologies. AZ91 magnesium alloy sheet represents higher intensity and corrosion resistance than conventional AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet. The sheet also enables wide-range designs such as flexible coating and metallic surface treating. SEI appeals the new product for various fields, for example, housing of portable electronic appliances and automotive interior trim compoonents.

AZ91 is magnesium alloy containing 9% aluminium and 1% zinc which represents high corrosion resistance. The alloy has been difficult to be shaped in a sheet. AZ91 is now commercially used in a casting shape for mobile appliances and automotive components.

SEI’s AZ91 sheet shows 1.5 times or higher intensity and 10% or more elongation than AZ91 casting. AZ91 sheet’s intensity and manufacturability is same or superior to AZ31 sheet. AZ91 sheet allows usage of various painting materials, diamond cutting and metallic finishing on its surface. Additionally SEI developed an original and simple manufacturing process for AZ91 sheet to lower the costs. High productive cost is a neck of magnesium alloy.