Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs AS21
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60B and AS21 are both magnesium alloy grades. AM60B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for AS21, about 8% more. In exchange, AS21 is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 8% for AM60B, and AM60B is harder (62 HB vs 55 HB). AS21 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and AS21 conducts heat better (68 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AS21 welds better (good vs fair).
AM60BChoose it when strength drives the design.
AS21Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
AM60B vs AS21: 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
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 373 J/g160 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.6 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 125 kN·m/kg
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 | AM60B | AS21 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
AM60B vs AS21 — frequently asked
Is AM60B stronger than AS21?
Yes. AM60B has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for AS21 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60B or AS21?
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, AM60B or AS21?
AS21. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for AM60B.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and AS21 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.