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Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs AS41B

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AM60B 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 AM60B, about 8% more. In exchange, AM60B is the more ductile: elongation 8% 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).

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

AS41BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

AM60B vs AS41B: properties

AM60BAS41B

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

225 MPa32.6 ksi
215 MPa31.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
6%

Compressive Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in
13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

6 J4.4 ft·lbf
3 J2.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

62 HB
75 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 · Shear Strength 140 MPa20.3 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 70 MPa10.2 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.77 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

540°C1,004 °F
565°C1,049 °F

Liquidus Temperature

615°C1,139 °F
620°C1,148 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

61 W/m·K35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
68 W/m·K39.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

25.6 µm/m·K14.2 µin/in·°F
26.1 µm/m·K14.5 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

373 J/g160 BTU/lb
340 J/g146 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

120°C248 °F
175°C347 °F

Min Service Temperature

-100°C-148 °F
-70°C-94 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
1.27×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5 µΩ·in

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 13.5 % IACS

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 30 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

500%
400%

Weldability

40 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

92 / 100
85 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

20 / 100
15 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

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

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

26 kg CO₂/kg
32 kg CO₂/kg

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)

125 kN·m/kg
121 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25 MN·m/kg
25.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

188 kJ/m³
218 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

33.2 mm²/s
37.7 mm²/s

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleAM60BAS41B

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAM60BAS41B
Default conditionAs CastAs Cast
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µmRa 0.8 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 7 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Painting, Powder Coating.

AM60B vs AS41B — frequently asked

Is AS41B stronger than AM60B?

Yes. AS41B has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AM60B 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.

Which welds better, AM60B or AS41B?

AM60B. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against fair (35/100) for AS41B.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B 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.