International Magnesium Information Bulletin-2

11 September 2022

1. Fujifilm announces new medium-format lens

Magnesium alloy is used for components around the lens mount to make it lightweight and robust at the same time. The lens barrel is weather-sealed in 12 places to ensure dust- and weather-resistance as well as the ability to operate at low temperatures. A fluorine coating on the front element repels moisture, dust and grease. The shape of components has been updated to keep the lens mount area slim and to accommodate the Inner Zoom system to keep the lens length constant. The lens structure is almost symmetrical with the aperture at the centre and use of the short flange focal distance to provide the optimum balance between image quality and weight/ size. The lens weighs just 725 grams and is approximately 112.5 mm long. It accepts 82 mm filters.

Fig. 1. Angled view of the new GF20-35mm f/4 R WR lens with the supplied lens hood fitted

Source: https://www.photoreview.com.au/news/products/fujifilm-announces-new-medium-format-lens/

2. IMA Honors Recipients of the 60th Annual Awards of Excellence

Members of the International Magnesium Association (IMA), honored their peers with the IMA Awards of Excellence. Established in 1962, the Awards of Excellence program is an annual award presented to companies for demonstrating outstanding examples of the different uses of magnesium and presents a great opportunity for participants in the magnesium industry to showcase innovative products and manufacturing technologies. Honors annually bestowed by the IMA include five Awards of Excellence: Automotive Cast Products, Commercial Cast Products, Process, Wrought Products, and Health and Safety.

2022 Award Showcase will be availalble soon.

Recipients of the 2022 IMA Awards of Excellence are:

Automotive Cast Product

AM50A Magnesium Alloy Rear Support Bracket - Video

Meridian Lightweight Technologies

Commercial (non-automotive) Cast Product

27.5” Integrated Casting E-bike Frame - Video

Taishan Zhongmei Technology

Future Technologies in Magnesium - New in 2022

Magnesium Ion Battery - Video

National Engineering Research Center for Magnesium Alloys of Chongqing University

Guangdong Guoyan Technology Co., Ltd.

Wrought Product

Light Tempo/Stepstool - Video

MACRW

Process

Cold Stamping Magnesium Alloy Computer Casing - Video

Shanxi Yinguang Huasheng Magnesium Co., Ltd.

Health and Safety Award

Group-Wide Safety Standards - Video

ALMAMET

Environmental Responsibility

Reduction of CO2 Emissions by 36,000T - Video

Luxfer MEL Technologies.

Fig. 2. International Magnesium Association

Resource: https://www.intlmag.org/news/616209/IMA-Honors-Recipients-of-the-60th-Annual-Awards-of-Excellence-.htm

3. Magnesium alloy economy seat design introduces new weight savings

While magnesium is used for external aircraft components including engines, it was banned for interior cabin use due to flammability concerns. The Society of Automotive Engineers, which also makes standards for aviation, in 2015 changed an outright ban to a new rule permitting magnesium alloys in accordance with FAA regulations.

This was achieved in part due to multi-year work from British company Magnesium Elektron.

The ban’s lifting did not prompt ST’s aircraft interiors division to explore magnesium. “Quite frankly we weren’t looking at,” says Tan. Instead it was another ST division that highlighted the material. “When they saw we were doing work with seats, they suggested it.” That conversation occurred only in 2018, leading to a relatively quick prototype. Tan says the seat’s magnesium alloy components have been made to FAA flammability performance requirements in line with the changed rule.

ST does not have to keep its alloy blend exclusive as a unique selling point. “We’re open to other potential business models,” says Tan. “We could license the technology and collaborate with others, like Safran.” Perhaps unstated is that ST is a young but growing supplier of cabin interiors, and may find greater take-up if it partners with an incumbent.

Magnesium has been promoted as being passenger-friendly, such as if it is used for premium cabin tray tables, which are currently heavy.

Tan says ST’s immediate interest in magnesium is to achieve weight savings in economy. “Some of the properties are stronger than aluminium. In today’s requirement of 16g [dynamic testing], it’s already excessive,” he says.

Fig. 3. Mg seat frame

Resource：https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2020/03/magnesium-alloy-economy-seat-design-introduces-new-weight-savings/

4. Lightspeed launches Delta Zulu Headset

Headset manufacturer Lightspeed yesterday introduced the new Delta Zulu headset to their product range.

The Delta Zulu is made almost entirely of stainless steel and magnesium and features a built-in carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a rechargeable battery option and a function to tailor the hearing profile to the individual user.

Weighing in at 0.422 kg and sporting a stylish new design, the Delta Zulu takes over from the Zulu 3 as Lightspeed's flagship active noise reduction (ANR) headset.

Fig. 4. Lightspeed's new Delta Zulu. (Lightspeed)

Resource：https://www.australianflying.com.au/latest/lightspeed-launches-delta-zulu-headset

5. CALB to Launch New Battery With Longer Cruising Range

Liu Jingyu, the chairman of China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), delivered a video speech at the 2022 World New Energy Vehicle Congress, saying that the company will soon launch a 350Wh/kg multi-element battery with lithium ferromanganese phosphate to meet 4C fast charging, and a 400Wh/kg semi-solid battery, an all-solid battery, lithium sulfur batteries and others. Moreover, the company is trying to use more magnesium in its batteries, thereby reducing dependence on nickel.

Fig. 5 Liu Jingyu, chairman of CALB (Source: CALB)

Resource：https://pandaily.com/calb-to-launch-new-battery-with-longer-cruising-range/

6. High-purity magnesium foundry potential for Victoria
A critical minerals start-up is conducting a groundbreaking study with support from the Victorian Government that could lead to the world’s first net-zero magnesium foundry being built in the state with technology developed by the CSIRO.
The science agency has developed a patented low-emission process for creating high-purity, high-value magnesium, which if proven commercially viable would make Victoria and Australia a major player in a $7 billion global industry and set new benchmarks for clean production.
Economic Development minister Tim Pallas visited the CSIRO’s base in Clayton and alongside leaders of the start-up, Magnium, announced the Government was co-funding the feasibility study.

Fig. 6 Magnesium products.

Resource:https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/high-purity-magnesium-foundry-potential-for-victoria/

7. WHY Resources’ high-grade magnesium oxide secures critical minerals supply chain

Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary and Director of West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd, explains how the company is helping to meet net zero targets through development at its Record Ridge magnesium property in Canada.

Geopolitical, environmental, social, governance (ESG) and global reserve depletion are all factors that are likely to be the main sources of risk in critical mineral supply over the coming decades. West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. is an advanced-stage mining exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical mineral resource properties in Canada, with a primary objective to develop its Record Ridge magnesium, silica, and nickel deposit using green processing techniques to minimise waste and CO2 emissions.

Fig. 7 West High Yield (WHY) Resources Ltd.

Resource: https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/why-resources-magnesium-oxide-secures-critical-minerals-supply/25277/