Welding Precautions - Magnesium Alloy

Welding Precautions - Magnesium Alloy

WARNING: Invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted in welding can injure unprotected eyes and skin. Always use protection such as a welder's helmet with dark-colored filter lenses of the correct density. Electric welding will produce intense radiation, therefore, filter plate lenses of the deepest shade providing adequate visibility are recommended. It is strongly recommended that persons working in the weld area wear flash safety goggles. Also wear protective clothing. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Use only a type-D fire extinguisher to extinguish magnesium fires. Never attempt to use a type-A, -B, -C extinguisher, or water, as these items are ineffective and may accelerate a magnesium fire. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

The radiator support is made of a magnesium alloy. Some of the benefits of using this material are the following:

- Magnesium is lighter and stronger than steel
- Offers improved durability
- Improved noise and vibration dampening
- Improved corrosion resistance
- 100% recyclable

The use of this material for the radiator support results in some unique repair characteristics and special precautions are required.

- The dust, chips or casting may react with strong oxidizing agents (bleach-sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, permanganate, nitric acid, concentrated oxygen or other perchlorates) in a combustable manner.
- Small particles of magnesium are easily ignited, but may be extinguished by separating the pile with a steel shovel, or covering with DRY sand, and allowing to cool.
- Do not attempt to use water to extinguish magnesium flames. Water will excite the flame.
- Magnesium burns with a brilliant white light.
- Magnesium is flammable if the entire component is heated above 427°C (800°F).
- Dust created from sanding or grinding magnesium is highly flammable. Do not smoke or carry an open flame near magnesium dust.
- If any component is bent less than 90 degrees, the part can be straightened. If any cracks occur during the straightening process, a new component must be installed.
- Heat is not required to straighten the casting.
- Pry bars are the suggested tool of choice to aid in straightening.
- Always wear a Tyvek(R) suit or similar protective clothing when sanding magnesium parts.
- Do not grind on the magnesium casting.
- Avoid sanding through the powder coating and into the magnesium casting. Light sanding of the powder coating is permissible if required.