Magnesium Alloys in the U.S.A.: The Development of the Production of Aircraft Parts in this Material

THE procedures incidental to the use of magnesium alloys are not unduly difficult or complicated, but until recently engineers in this country (U.S.A.) have been prone to use and treat magnesium alloys exactly like aluminium, with the result that in some cases trouble was encountered and magnesium was given the reputation of not being suitable for that particular application. These difficulties were caused both by lack of interest on the part of the aircraft industry and by a lack of sufficient knowledge on the subject. The aircraft industry is now showing great interest in magnesium alloys, and the magnesium industry is devoting a great deal of time and effort on new alloys, surface protection, and methods of fabrication.