Peak Explosion Pressure Only 0.58 MPa—CNPC Launches Flame-Retardant Magnesium Alloy Powder CNPC-AZX912 for 3D Printing

Magnesium alloys are prized for their lightweight (just two-thirds the density of aluminum), high specific strength, excellent damping properties, and biodegradability—making them ideal for aerospace, wearable electronics, automotive, and medical implants. However, their high chemical reactivity poses serious risks of ignition and explosion during 3D printing, restricting wider industrial adoption.

On June 25, 2025, CNPC POWDER (中体新材) announced the launch of CNPC-AZX912, a new flame-retardant magnesium alloy powder specifically designed for additive manufacturing. By optimizing alloy composition and surface treatment, this powder preserves magnesium’s advantages while significantly reducing dust explosion risk—greatly improving safety in storage, transport, and printing operations.

Material Composition and Design Philosophy

AZX912 is primarily composed of magnesium (~87%) and aluminum (~9%), with carefully selected trace alloying elements that create uniformly distributed strengthening phases for improved flame-retardant performance.

Key specifications:

· Particle size distribution: 30–90 μm

· Oxygen content: ~200 ppm

· Sphericity: >92%

· Uniform particle distribution with minimal satellite powder

These features ensure excellent flowability and spreading during 3D printing, reducing the negative effects of fine particles and enhancing print quality and efficiency. Particle size distribution can also be customized to meet different AM process and product requirements.

Safety Performance Advantages

· Breakthrough in Flame-Retardancy:

o Optimized alloying achieves a Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC) of 9.8%, meaning safe operation requires system oxygen concentration ≤6.8% (including a 3% safety margin)—markedly safer than conventional magnesium alloys.

o Dust cloud Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) of 620 °C, making it less sensitive to hot surfaces.

o Electrical classification explosion group T3, suitable for equipment with surface temperatures ≤200 °C.

· Explosion Pressure Significantly Reduced:

o Pmax (maximum explosion pressure): 0.58 MPa—more than 40% lower than typical magnesium alloy powders (1.0–1.5 MPa).

o Meets and exceeds EU ATEX directive standards for industrial dust (Pmax < 0.9 MPa).

These results were verified by authoritative testing at the Northeast University Fire and Explosion Prevention Laboratory (Report No. 2025020700021), confirming AZX912’s superior flame-retardant performance.

Recommended Safety Guidelines

While AZX912 offers vastly improved safety, magnesium powder inherently remains flammable. Proper handling practices remain essential:

· Dust Control:

o Maintain workplace dust concentration below 25 g/m³ (explosive limit).

o Equip facilities with real-time dust concentration monitoring.

· Explosion Prevention:

o Use nitrogen inerting (maintain oxygen ≤6.8%).

o Install venting or explosion isolation devices.

o Ensure electrical equipment complies with T3 temperature rating.

· Static Electricity Protection:

o Ground equipment and maintain ambient humidity >60%.

o Prevent low-energy electrostatic discharge (MIE = 10–20 mJ).

Conclusion:
With the launch of CNPC-AZX912, CNPC POWDER has expanded its additive manufacturing portfolio, providing the 3D printing industry with a safer, more efficient magnesium alloy powder option. This innovation is poised to enable broader industrial adoption of magnesium AM, supporting the growth and diversification of 3D printing applications across high-value sectors.