Quote:
Originally Posted by DonRotolo
As many have noted, Magnesium in typical form is no more dangerous than any other metal - even underwater. However, smaller chips or particles are able to be ignited, and then become extremely difficult to extinguish.
Yes a class D extinguisher has a chance, but hav limited effectiveness and are costly.
If you use the metal and don't need to machine it, you'll be fine. But if it needs to be machined, you are better off avoiding it. The risk is small but the consequences very large.
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This is a line of reasoning that's excellent. Risk v. reward is always an excellent comparison to run before selecting something outside the "norm."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Holschuh
I once proposed to make some small engine parts out of magnesium alloy. Our company's insurance company threatened to cancel our policy immediately if we machined them in house. (They didn't work very well.)
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Seems like a rather uninformed reaction for an insurance company. Magnesium has applications all over, and can be machined and used quite safely.
Just get a Bromotrifluoromethane extinguisher (Halon 1301) for areas where swarf and chips can gather, and all will be well. I've personally used a CBrF3 extinguisher on several fully ignited systems (one jet engine, two transmissions, and one interior cabin fire involving vaporized JP5) with great success.