GM introduces magnesium sheet metal - promises to be lighter than aluminum

Could enable future models to be lighter, more fuel efficient
General Motors has announced they are testing a thermal-forming process for lightweight magnesium sheet metal.

That doesn't sound terribly exciting, but it could lead to high-strength components that are lighter than aluminum.

While die-cast magnesium has been used in a variety of automotive components - most notably wheels - GM's newly developed method allows the material to be molded into precise, rigid shapes. In order to achieve this, the magnesium is heated up to 450 degrees Celsius (842 degrees Fahrenheit) and then molded into the desired part.

The company has already created a magnesium rear deck lid inner panel that has withstood 77,000 robotic slams and 250 kg (551 lb) impacts without any issues. It only weighs 1 kg (2.2 lb) less than a conventional steel panel, but using several magnesium components could result in significant weight savings.


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1CarSmart1 - 10/24/2012 11:18:41 AM

-6 Boost

What a disaster this will be. No doubt it will rust and fall apart like all GM cars. Why not put that blood money from truck sales into something good for the earth that saves us from burning oil?

M3owns - 10/24/2012 2:12:58 PM

+1 Boost

I know VW used magnesium alot in their old bug and the result of that was, once the car catches fire, not even the fire fighters can put it down. GM, magnesium still combusts in deep cold water, what were you thinking.

Terry989 - 10/24/2012 3:46:05 PM

0 Boost

BMW uses magnesium based engine blocks - - - so your comment applies equally here. What the heck was BMW thinking.

vdiv - 10/24/2012 4:20:09 PM

+5 Boost

I think it is an alloy, not pure magnesium.

vdiv - 10/24/2012 4:17:39 PM

+2 Boost

Another article on the topic:

http://www.freep.com/article/20121023/BUSINESS0101/121023027/GM-advancement-transforms-magnesium-into-a-lighter-alternative-to-steel-aluminum?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

vdiv - 10/24/2012 4:19:27 PM

+2 Boost

http://papers.sae.org/2006-01-0525/

M3owns - 10/24/2012 4:20:21 PM

+1 Boost

You are right, BMW uses magnesium/aluminum composite blocks in their engines and Im actually not happy about it. But at least the aluminum is used for the inner cylinder shells in those engines. Just to make it clear, Im not a bmw fanboy, and Im not defending them. If anything, lately I hate bmws for their designs and engine problems but despite that I still like the old e46 m3. I wish GM would treat their magnesium products with some common sense.

Terry989 - 10/24/2012 10:48:51 PM

+2 Boost

And I'm not bashing BMW since I own a 128is with a magnesium/aluminum composite blocks. I'm just not not sure why you believe a GM magnesium alloy (not yet even available) is more likely to catch on fire than a BMW magnesium alloy? And now, I'm also curious as to why aluminum cylinder shells make the block less likely to burn?

I have never purchased a GM car, but I respect any car company investing in material sciences in order to make future chassis lighter and stronger. Instead of focusing on in cabin entertainment, I wish more companies were focused on engineering better body construction materials.

M3owns - 10/24/2012 4:22:18 PM

+1 Boost

vdiv you commented right about the same time I was hahaha

t_bone - 10/25/2012 11:48:48 AM

+1 Boost

Engine block = log
Sheet metal = paper

Could be entertaining.