Information on machining/treating magnesium components - AH60.00-P-0023-01R

Model 171, 211, 215, 219, 230 

General: 

Magnesium has the property of forming, extremely quick, a compound with oxygen. Nevertheless, it is corrosion-resistant when exposed to air, because it forms a tight, continuous thin oxide skin which protects the metal beneath from further oxidation.

If magnesium is ignited, it burns at approx. >500 °C with dazzling white light and severe heat build-up (approx. 2400 °C).

Magnesium dust is just as combustible and explosive as aluminum dust

For additional information, see Accident Prevention Regulations or the Regulations of the Trade Association.

Machining/treating magnesium: 

• Machining/treating magnesium components by means of an open flame (welding, cutting, soldering, heating, etc.) or by spark-creating grinding is prohibited.
• Any components that suffer structural damage must be replaced completely.

Corrosion protection: 

• Faulty coatings and points affected by corrosion should never be repaired for corrosion reasons.
• Repair over large surfaces should not be performed for reasons of corrosion
• To prevent contact corrosion at the threaded connections on the components (e.g. inner door parts), coat contact surfaces and bolt shafts with paint after removal or replace bolts

Do not use zinc dust paint!

• Plastic bushings and disks installed as standard must not be removed and damaged parts must be replaced.
• Due to extremely severe contact corrosion, damaged threads in the magnesium pressure castings may only be repaired with the MB-approved Helicoil thread inserts made of aluminum.