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Magnesium Alloy AM100A vs AM60B

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AM100A and AM60B are both magnesium alloy grades. AM100A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 152 MPa (22 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, AM60B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 1% for AM100A, and AM100A is harder (69 HB vs 62 HB). AM100A conducts heat better (72 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AM100A welds better (good vs fair).

AM100AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

AM60BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

AM100A vs AM60B: properties

AM100AAM60B

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

275 MPa39.9 ksi
225 MPa32.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

152 MPa22 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

1%
8%

Compressive Strength

345 MPa50 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Shear Strength

145 MPa21 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

76 MPa11 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in
16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

1 J1 ft·lbf
6 J4.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

69 HB
62 HB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.81 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

465°C869 °F
540°C1,004 °F

Liquidus Temperature

598°C1,108 °F
615°C1,139 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

72 W/m·K41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
61 W/m·K35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

25.2 µm/m·K14 µin/in·°F
25.6 µm/m·K14.2 µin/in·°F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 373 J/g160 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

12 % IACS
13.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.51 µΩ·in
1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.55 V
-1.6 V

Corrosion Resistance

20 / 100
30 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

96 / 100
95 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

400%
500%

Weldability

60 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

8 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

82 / 100
92 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb
330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

30 kg CO₂/kg
26 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

25%
30%

Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

152 kN·m/kg
125 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

24.9 MN·m/kg
25 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

257 kJ/m³
188 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

39.8 mm²/s
33.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

17
12

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleAM60BAM100A

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAM100AAM60B
CNC machining—Yes
Default condition—As Cast
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall—0.8 mm
Best machined surface—Ra 0.8 µm
Anodizing Type II—Yes
Chem Film (Alodine)—Yes
E-Coating—Yes
Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE—Yes
Hard Anodizing Type III—Yes
Painting—Yes
Powder Coating—Yes

AM100A vs AM60B — frequently asked

Is AM100A stronger than AM60B?

Yes. AM100A has a typical yield strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AM100A or AM60B?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which welds better, AM100A or AM60B?

AM100A. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for AM60B.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM100A and AM60B side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.