It should be noted that the “... electrical insulation properties.” that was referred to in the article applies only to the ceramic coating they offer not the magnesium alloy metal itself.

Melting at 650 degrees... within striking range of 3D printing
Opens up lots of possibilities

This can't have the high specific stiffness of Carbon fibre, since rigidity in engineering metals is all proportional to the density, which is given, but it would be nice to have some indication of it's strength and toughness.

I'm curious as to how and why "our" military has the right to take inventions from people and prevent them from selling rights to the general public. Anybody?

@EZ - in the interest of national security perhaps?

@EZ, the military has "restricted" thousands of materials & products from reaching us, even if those products have been developped by civilian companies. All this under the pretext of "National Security". We have been deprived from much more efficient innovations like stronger magnets, much better batteries, better solar cells, better materials, new energy sources (free energy), etc... All this to keep the populations under leash, to limit our evolution. Sickening!

@EZ: Because they can write a bigger paycheck perhaps?

@EZ: if our government gives grants for development, there may be restrictions on sale. Also, some materials, products, or IP have restricted sales due to 'National Security'. Some of this is definitely needed...however, it seems like everything in the US is being ‘hijacked’ from original intentions to help a select few interest groups. 'Merica!

If a branch of the military or Darpa paid for development, then can restrict it's use to their own needs if they want.

Neighbors of mine (a lesbian couple) continue to win bicycle races on a Colorado made magnesium frame tandem that is insanely light weight: go girls! But what would be really interesting to learn is whether this material is easier to work with for mass manufacturing than carbon fiber.