A new lightweighting material on the scene?

In September Allite (Miamisburg, OH, US) launched its Super Magnesium alloy to a new market: the cycling industry. Originally developed in 2006 the material has been classified for defense and aerospace applications. Now the company is looking to open up the material to a whole new range of markets from sporting goods to electronics to aerospace — you name it.

Allite claims the material weighs “33% less than aluminum by volume, and stiffer and stronger pound for pound.” Meanwhile, it is less expensive than carbon fiber. The company seems to be gunning for a spot in between carbon fiber and aluminum in terms of lightweighting with three magnesium alloys: AE81, ZE62 and WE54.

According to Allite, the alloys are corrosion-resistant, wear well and display good hardness and electrical insulation.

Carbon fiber, of course, still leads the pack in terms of lightweighting. Allite’s magnesium alloys are around 20% denser than carbon-fiber composite, but in offering a lighter option than aluminum, magnesium may be a material to watch in terms of competition in the lightweighting world.