Powdercoat Magnesium wheels?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 109
From: Crystal lake Il
2022 Corvette of the Year Winner -- Modified
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Winner
Yes you can powdercoat magnesium.....its ignition point is very high, most magnesium fires are the result of magnesium dust igniting...alot of BS out there and fear, it magnesium where so fragile they would not use it on aircraft wheels, etc....race cars still use magnesium, and many car parts are magnesium.
When powdercoating you have to outgas magnesium to get the powdercoat to adhere....I have PC Dymags on my 90 and 92 ZR-1s.....check out this website and the repairs they do on magnesium
http://framestraightsystem.com/Motor...20Pictures.htm
When powdercoating you have to outgas magnesium to get the powdercoat to adhere....I have PC Dymags on my 90 and 92 ZR-1s.....check out this website and the repairs they do on magnesium
http://framestraightsystem.com/Motor...20Pictures.htm
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Aluminum is not refined at 2000°C. Refineries operate at under 300°F (many sections under 180°F) except the high temp digester section which will go over 500°F.
Aluminum is smelted (conversion of Al2O3 to Al metal) at ~950°C (~1750°F). However, the plastic phase (where the aluminum begins to deform or flow like plastic) is much lower and all heat treat properties are lost.
Safe temps for aluminum tend to be ~275-350°F depending on alloy.
Magnesium is ~35% lighter than aluminum, but much more difficult to machine, more brittle, and certainly more costly. Aluminum is malleable, magnesium is not.
There is a lot of misinformation in this thread.
Aluminum is smelted (conversion of Al2O3 to Al metal) at ~950°C (~1750°F). However, the plastic phase (where the aluminum begins to deform or flow like plastic) is much lower and all heat treat properties are lost.
Safe temps for aluminum tend to be ~275-350°F depending on alloy.
Magnesium is ~35% lighter than aluminum, but much more difficult to machine, more brittle, and certainly more costly. Aluminum is malleable, magnesium is not.
There is a lot of misinformation in this thread.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 830
Likes: 6
You couldn't get me to put magnesium on a street car. Back in the 70's we used to burn defective broken magnesium wheels from a local manufacture in the fire pits at Bolsa Chica beach in HB. Stuff was unbelievable. Have seen the same type of wheels burn at the old Riverside Raceway during a Times Grand Prix. Understand the value to a race machine, can't think of why you would want the risk on a street machine.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 109
From: Crystal lake Il
2022 Corvette of the Year Winner -- Modified
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Winner
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Not going to debate about magnesium wheels Vs aluminum.
But a very safe way to remove paint, dried up scum dirt, and oxidation I have found is to bead blast with Crushed Walnut shells.
Crushed walnut shells are available from Summit Racing online.
I bought a 10 lb container for $15.00.
I use about 1/2 to clean my original 87 700 R4 trans aluminum case.
does ZERO harm or damage to metals.
No etching.
Does not clean as fast as true glass beads or black beauty shot.
But I liked the results bead blasting with crushed walnut shells.
I would trust it on magnesium metal.
BR
But a very safe way to remove paint, dried up scum dirt, and oxidation I have found is to bead blast with Crushed Walnut shells.
Crushed walnut shells are available from Summit Racing online.
I bought a 10 lb container for $15.00.
I use about 1/2 to clean my original 87 700 R4 trans aluminum case.
does ZERO harm or damage to metals.
No etching.
Does not clean as fast as true glass beads or black beauty shot.
But I liked the results bead blasting with crushed walnut shells.
I would trust it on magnesium metal.
BR
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
WOW! This thread is all over the place 
. After much research I decided to have them coated. I didn't realize how many cycle wheels are magnesium. The wheels are not 100% magnesium they are a blend of aluminum and magnesium. I believe they are as safe if not safer than all the cast Chinese wheels out htere made of who knows what grade of aluminum. Thanks guys and hope this thread was informational to guys wanting to powder coat. If you still feel unsure call
Frame Straight in Tenn. They repaire tons of magnesium wheels from motorcycles and exotic sports cars every week and are very knowledgable on anything to do with wheels.
. After much research I decided to have them coated. I didn't realize how many cycle wheels are magnesium. The wheels are not 100% magnesium they are a blend of aluminum and magnesium. I believe they are as safe if not safer than all the cast Chinese wheels out htere made of who knows what grade of aluminum. Thanks guys and hope this thread was informational to guys wanting to powder coat. If you still feel unsure callFrame Straight in Tenn. They repaire tons of magnesium wheels from motorcycles and exotic sports cars every week and are very knowledgable on anything to do with wheels.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Harvest AL
I highly doubt the powder coat oven gets anywhere near 800 F....
