I had to google, because I couldn't remember the differences, and when I did semi-remember them, they weren't in relation to use as a flashlight body('course the quotes aren't, either...).
Magnesium alloys increasingly replace aluminum, zinc, and other materials in structural automotive parts because they are much lighter. Magnesium's low density significantly reduces weight by volume compared to aluminum and zinc. Magnesium is 33% lighter than aluminum and just about a quarter the weight of zinc. Yet magnesium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all structural metals, except for titanium.
Its density is only slightly above that of plastic, but its high (72 W/m-K) thermal conductivity lets it dissipate heat more effectively. This makes magnesium a better candidate for parts that see elevated temperatures where creep is a concern. Additionally, magnesium damps out vibration and noise, resists impacts and dents, and is fully recyclable.
Magnesium, when compared to aluminum, is softer and more expensive, and has the tendency to bend easily.
Magnesium also requires a protective coating to save it from corrosion. Magnesium used for lightweight component applications largely depends upon casting technology, for magnesium is less costly and has low environmental hazards. Magnesium has potential benefits for the environment and better design options when compared to aluminum, since it is lighter in weight and can be substituted for aluminum transmission case applications
Magnesium alloys increasingly replace aluminum, zinc, and other materials in structural automotive parts because they are much lighter. Magnesium's low density significantly reduces weight by volume compared to aluminum and zinc. Magnesium is 33% lighter than aluminum and just about a quarter the weight of zinc. Yet magnesium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all structural metals, except for titanium.
Its density is only slightly above that of plastic, but its high (72 W/m-K) thermal conductivity lets it dissipate heat more effectively. This makes magnesium a better candidate for parts that see elevated temperatures where creep is a concern. Additionally, magnesium damps out vibration and noise, resists impacts and dents, and is fully recyclable.
Magnesium, when compared to aluminum, is softer and more expensive, and has the tendency to bend easily.
Magnesium also requires a protective coating to save it from corrosion. Magnesium used for lightweight component applications largely depends upon casting technology, for magnesium is less costly and has low environmental hazards. Magnesium has potential benefits for the environment and better design options when compared to aluminum, since it is lighter in weight and can be substituted for aluminum transmission case applications