TOKYO—Researchers in Japan have developed a new additive manufacturing technology for making high-precision parts with lightweight magnesium alloys.

MIAMISBURG, OH—Allite Inc., a materials supplier specializing in lightweight products, has partnered with Weis Manufacturing to codevelop the first racing bicycle frame made entirely from the magnesium.

Like a third-string quarterback awaiting his moment in the spotlight, magnesium has been sitting patiently on the light-weighting sideline. But, it may finally get its turn to shine in automotive applications, thanks to several recent breakthroughs.

Efforts to reduce vehicle weight have mostly focused on aluminum, plastics and composites, but another lightweight material is also getting attention: magnesium. The ninth most abundant element in the universe, magnesium is as strong as steel, but 33 percent lighter than aluminum, 60 percent lighter than titanium, and 75 percent lighter than steel.