Magnesium AZ31
The lightest structural metal (density ~1.77 g/cm³, ~35% lighter than aluminum) — chosen for weight-critical aerospace, drone and automotive parts.
Key properties
| Key properties |
|---|
| Density ~1.77 g/cm³ (lightest structural metal) |
| Tensile strength ~240-290 MPa |
| Young’s modulus ~45 GPa (flexible vs steel) |
| Excellent strength-to-weight ratio |
| Good machinability (chips are flammable) |
| Corrodes in salt/moisture unless coated |
Common applications
- Drone and UAV airframes
- Aircraft brackets and housings
- Automotive and motorcycle components
- Camera and optical bodies
- Portable electronics chassis
- Lightweight jigs and fixtures
Processes available
- CNC milling (high-speed, flood coolant)
- CNC turning
- Die casting (AZ91 commonly)
Surface finishes
- As machined
- Chem film / conversion coating
- Anodize (Dow 17 or HAE)
- Powder coated
- Paint (for marine exposure)
Cost & pricing
Material cost above aluminum and fine chips require careful handling — budget for safety and coating in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does production take?
Lead time depends on the process and quantity — 3D printing typically ships in 2–3 business days, CNC machining in 3–5, and injection molding in 10–15 after tooling. You'll see the exact lead time on every quote.
What is the standard tolerance?
CNC-machined parts are held to ±0.1 mm as standard, with ±0.05 mm achievable on critical features. 3D-printed parts are typically ±0.2–0.3 mm. Add your critical dimensions in the notes field.
What is the minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order — we produce single prototype parts as easily as large production runs. Quantity discounts start from around 10–25 pieces.
What surface finishes are available?
A wide range of finishes is available locally, including as-machined/printed, bead blasting, anodizing (clear, black, gold), powder coating, painting and polishing.
How do I get a quote?
Upload your CAD file (STL, STEP, IGES or 3MF) to the instant-quote tool — the VoluFab pricing engine returns a real quote in seconds, with DFM feedback included.
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