Elektron 21 – An Aerospace Magnesium Alloy for Sand Cast and Investment Cast Applications

Abstract

The majority of work done with Elektron 21 has been for sand cast applications. Investment casting, is a means of reducing wall thickness (and hence weight) of complex components. This process is generally restricted to small components for Magnesium due to metal mould reaction. Use of low reactivity Elektron 21 gave successful results during investment casting (using plaster and shell moulds). Using improved processing technology, it has been shown that large components can be made successfully in this alloy with out reaction. This opens new opportunities for further weight reduction in weight sensitive applications.