Progress in twin roll casting of magnesium alloys: A review

Abstract

Twin roll casting was commercialized for a strip production from ferrous and non-ferrous alloys in the 1950s; however, its application to magnesium has proven difficult and still creates major challenges. This report describes global efforts in expanding manufacturing capabilities of magnesium sheet through twin roll casting path, offering many benefits, including a reduction in number of processing steps and energy savings. In addition to hardware design, alloy transformation during processing, product microstructure and properties, examples of successful solutions along with present technology and knowledge limitations are discussed. A particular attention is paid to developments at CanmetMATERIALS, having the only in North America pilot scale twin roll casting facility, devoted to magnesium. Efforts are described that aim at design of new magnesium alloys, which could take advantage of unique processing conditions during twin roll casting and contribute to the overall progress in magnesium sheet manufacturing.