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Magnesium

Online Metals is the best place to buy magnesium for any project, big or small. We offer the industry’s top selection of lightweight, high-strength alloys with no minimum order size and fast, direct shipping. Whether you need a single plate for a high-performance automotive prototype or bulk tooling plate for precision aerospace components, we provide the weight savings, machinability, and reliability that engineers, motorsports teams, and R&D labs trust.

Online Metals is the best place to buy magnesium for any project, big or small. We offer the industry’s top selection of lightweight, high-strength alloys with no minimum order size and fast, direct shipping. Whether you need a single plate for a high-performance automotive prototype or bulk tooling plate for precision aerospace components, we provide the weight savings, machinability, and reliability that engineers, motorsports teams, and R&D labs trust.

Learn More About Magnesium

Thinking about using magnesium for your next project? It’s a high-performance, lightweight choice—widely used in everything from aerospace to professional motorsports to advanced prototyping. To help you consider what you might need, here are five important factors when choosing magnesium for your needs:


  1. The ultimate strength-to-weight ratio Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metals, being approximately 33% lighter than aluminum. It offers incredible weight savings without sacrificing the structural integrity needed for high-speed or airborne applications.
  2. Excellent machinability Magnesium is known for being one of the fastest metals to machine. It allows for high-speed tool travel, requires low power consumption, and results in an excellent surface finish, making it a favorite for complex R&D components.
  3. High vibration damping A unique feature of magnesium is its ability to absorb energy and dampen vibrations. This makes it a go-to for housing sensitive electronics, camera equipment, and high-performance engine parts where stability is critical.
  4. Heat dissipation and shielding Magnesium is highly effective at dissipating heat and providing EMI shielding. This makes it an ideal choice for laptop frames, handheld power tools, and automotive electronics housings that require thermal management.
  5. Specific handling requirements While magnesium is incredibly efficient, it requires specific safety protocols during machining, such as managing fine chips and dust, to prevent fire hazards. When handled correctly, it is an exceptionally safe and reliable material.

Common uses for magnesium include aerospace structural components, motorsport engine blocks, bicycle frames, high-end sporting goods, chassis for laptops and mobile devices, and handheld tool housings.

How Online Metals Can Help You Online Metals makes it easy to find exactly what materials you need. With the industry’s top selection of magnesium alloys, we deliver both to businesses and homes with no minimum orders. Our precision custom cuts are all supported by our first-in-class customer support, fast order processing, and economical on-time delivery.

Magnesium FAQs

What are the main advantages of using magnesium?

Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metals—weighing about one-third less than aluminum—while still offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It also features excellent machinability, high impact resistance, and great vibration dampening properties.

What are the most common applications for magnesium?

Because of its extreme light weight and strength, magnesium is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries to improve fuel efficiency and performance. It is also heavily utilized in consumer electronics, sporting goods, and high-end racing components.

Is magnesium easy to machine and fabricate?

Yes, magnesium is widely considered one of the easiest structural metals to machine. It can be milled, turned, and drilled at high speeds, resulting in excellent surface finishes and low tool wear. However, proper safety protocols must be followed during fabrication.

What safety precautions are needed when machining magnesium?

While solid magnesium is safe to handle, magnesium dust and fine machining chips are highly flammable and burn intensely. When cutting or machining, always use proper mineral-oil-based cutting fluids, ensure excellent dust extraction, regularly clear away chips, and keep a Class D fire extinguisher readily accessible.

Can I buy custom-cut magnesium online?

Yes. At Online Metals, you can purchase premium magnesium sheet, plate, and bar stock cut to your exact specifications. We have no minimum order sizes, allowing you to buy exactly what you need with fast shipping direct to your workshop or facility.