Magnesium Alloy AM60A vs AS41B
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60A and AS41B are both magnesium alloy grades. AS41B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60A, about 8% more. In exchange, AM60A is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 6% for AS41B, and AS41B is harder (75 HB vs 62 HB). AS41B runs hotter in service (175°C vs 120°C continuous) and AS41B conducts heat better (68 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K).
AM60AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AS41BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AM60A vs AS41B: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Shear Strength 140 MPa20.3 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 70 MPa10.2 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 13.5 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | AM60A | AS41B |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
AM60A vs AS41B — frequently asked
Is AS41B stronger than AM60A?
Yes. AS41B has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60A — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60A or AS41B?
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.
When should I choose AM60A over AS41B?
Pick AM60A when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick AS41B when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60A and AS41B 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.