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Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs AZ63A

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AM60B and AZ63A are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ63A is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for AM60B, about 22% more. In exchange, AM60B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for AZ63A, and AZ63A is harder (73 HB vs 62 HB). AZ63A conducts heat better (76 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AZ63A welds better (good vs fair).

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

AZ63AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

AM60B vs AZ63A: properties

AM60BAZ63A

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

225 MPa32.6 ksi
275 MPa39.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
5%

Compressive Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Shear Strength

140 MPa20.3 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

6 J4.4 ft·lbf
3 J2.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

62 HB
73 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 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 130 MPa18.9 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

540°C1,004 °F
455°C851 °F

Liquidus Temperature

615°C1,139 °F
610°C1,130 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

61 W/m·K35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
76 W/m·K43.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
1,050 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

25.6 µm/m·K14.2 µin/in·°F
26 µm/m·K14.4 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

13.5 % IACS
14 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
1.22×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.8 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.6 V
-1.57 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
22 / 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
65 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

92 / 100
80 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

20 / 100
25 / 100

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

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

26 kg CO₂/kg
27 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · 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
149 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25 MN·m/kg
24.5 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

33.2 mm²/s
39.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
18

Same in both: Modulus of Resilience 188 kJ/m³

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 scaleAM60BAZ63A

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAM60BAZ63A
CNC machiningYes—
Default conditionAs Cast—
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µm—
Anodizing Type IIYes—
Chem Film (Alodine)Yes—
E-CoatingYes—
Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFEYes—
Hard Anodizing Type IIIYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—

AM60B vs AZ63A — frequently asked

Is AZ63A stronger than AM60B?

Yes. AZ63A has a typical tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for AM60B — about 22% more.

Which is cheaper, AM60B or AZ63A?

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 AZ63A?

AZ63A. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against fair (40/100) for AM60B.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and AZ63A 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.