Printed from Kezuriba (kezuriba.net/en/troubles/material-magnesium/)

Magnesium alloy quirks (chip ignition)

Material-specific problems MillingDrillingTappingTurning

Check first

It reacts easily with oxygen and water, and the chips burn easily. Pouring water on burning chips may cause an explosion
Hydrogen gas is released when machining while the chips react with water-soluble fluid

Try first

Clean up chips frequently, store them in a lidded non-combustible container, and keep dry sand on hand for extinguishing
When machining with water-soluble fluid, ventilate thoroughly

?Likely causes

It reacts easily with oxygen and water, and the chips burn easily. Pouring water on burning chips may cause an explosionAgreed by 2+ makers^[1][2]
Hydrogen gas is released when machining while the chips react with water-soluble fluidOne maker^[1]

✓Fixes

Setup

Clean up chips frequently, store them in a lidded non-combustible container, and keep dry sand on hand for extinguishingOne maker^[2]
When machining with water-soluble fluid, ventilate thoroughlyOne maker^[1]

↔Related problems

Stainless steel quirks (work hardening, welding, boundary wear)Aluminum alloy quirks (welding, built-up edge, chips)Titanium and titanium alloy quirks (heat, welding, ignition)Cast iron quirks (powdery chips, edge chipping, black scale)Hardened steel (high-hardness steel) quirks Heat-resistant alloy (Ni-base alloy, etc.) quirks Copper and copper alloy quirks Mild steel (low-carbon steel) quirks

📚Sources

Causes and fixes are summarized in our own words from cutting-tool makers’ troubleshooting guides and technical data. “Agreed by 2+ makers” means two or more makers say the same thing.

Mitsubishi Materials — Workpiece material applications: N series mmc-carbide.com
Yamawa — Helpful Tips No.101: Recommended taps for magnesium alloys and precautions yamawa.com