Magnesium Alloy Mechanical Properties

Compare alloy and temper together

Magnesium alloy properties are not a single number for an alloy family. Product form and temper are part of the designation, and the applicable material specification sets the minimums. Luxfer MEL Technologies’ Magnesium Extrusions Summary lists ASTM B107-13 specification minimums for selected solid extrusions. This table preserves the alloy, temper, tensile strength, yield strength and elongation together so a value is not separated from its source condition.

The listed AZ31B-F values are 220 MPa tensile strength, 140 MPa yield strength and 7% elongation. The AZ80A-T5 row gives 310 MPa tensile strength, 205 MPa yield strength and 2% elongation. These are specification minimums for the stated extrusion form, not typical test results or guaranteed properties of every finished component. The lower elongation in the AZ80A-T5 row also shows why strength alone is not a complete measure of material behavior.

The summary also includes AZ61A-F, ZK60A-T5 and proprietary Elektron alloy entries with different values. Temper suffixes such as F and T5 are not interchangeable; they describe distinct material conditions. A purchase specification should identify alloy, product form, temper and controlling standard. Confirm that the supplied certificate matches all four before using the row in a calculation.

Read specification minima correctly

A minimum is an acceptance threshold under the referenced specification and test conditions. It is not the average strength of production stock, a design allowable, a fatigue limit or a promise that a particular part will reach the listed value in every direction. Mechanical results can depend on sampling orientation, section size, test method, processing history and applicable product requirements. Use the actual governing specification for acceptance and design.

Luxfer labels the table as ASTM B107-13 specification minimums for common magnesium extrusion alloys in solid form. The source is a supplier summary, so preserve its stated scope and verify that the current purchase order and material certificate call for the same standard revision. A newer specification may differ. Do not silently present an older specification’s values as universal current requirements.

The table shows strength in both MPa and ksi as presented by the supplier. These are paired units from the same source, rounded to the reported precision. Use one unit system throughout a calculation and avoid deriving extra precision from rounded values. Elongation is reported as a percent. It is not a substitute for a stress-strain curve, fracture toughness or allowable strain for a design.

Select the right row for a part

Before using a value, read the alloy and temper from the material certificate and compare the product form with the table. The same alloy name can appear as an extrusion, casting, forging or sheet with different properties. A row for AZ80A-T5 solid extrusion should not be applied to an AZ80 casting or a differently treated product. The manufacturer’s data sheet or certified material record for the actual stock takes precedence.

For design, use allowables from the applicable code or a material database approved for the project. Account for directionality, temperature, corrosion environment, fatigue loading, joint details and safety factors as required. A specification minimum tensile strength does not determine the permissible working stress on its own. A qualified materials or design engineer should resolve any mismatch between the product certificate and the design basis.

For fabrication, magnesium needs appropriate fire prevention and housekeeping. Fine chips and dust can burn intensely, and water-based response may be inappropriate for burning magnesium. Follow the material supplier’s safety information and the facility’s approved fire-control procedure; maintain suitable collection and storage controls for chips and dust. The mechanical-property table does not address machining safety or process parameters.

Limits of this comparison

These six rows are a focused subset of Luxfer’s extrusion summary rather than a comprehensive alloy database. They do not cover every alloy, temper, bar size, plate, forging, casting, elevated-temperature condition or orientation. The manufacturer cautions that its information is guidance and carries no warranty. Use it to compare the named entries and to identify the relevant specification, then retrieve product-specific, certified data before making a design decision.

If a drawing or customer requirement calls for a different standard, test method, temper or minimum, do not substitute the closest row. Ask the supplier for the correct report and raise the discrepancy with the responsible engineer. Keep alloy, temper, form, specification revision and units attached to every value when data are copied into a material database or calculation package.

Source and scope

Property source: Luxfer MEL Technologies, Magnesium Extrusions Summary, Table 1. The table reports ASTM B107-13 specification minimums for solid extrusions.