Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs AZ81A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60B and AZ81A are both magnesium alloy grades. AM60B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for AZ81A, about 57% more. In exchange, AZ81A is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for AM60B, and AM60B is harder (62 HB vs 55 HB). AM60B conducts heat better (61 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AZ81A welds better (good vs fair) and AM60B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than AZ81A (premium, $$$).
AM60BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
AZ81AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
AM60B vs AZ81A: 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
Shear 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 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 70 MPa10.2 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
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
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500%
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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25 MN·m/kg · 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 | AM60B | AZ81A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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 AZ81A — frequently asked
Is AM60B stronger than AZ81A?
Yes. AM60B has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for AZ81A — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60B or AZ81A?
AM60B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while AZ81A is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, AM60B or AZ81A?
AZ81A. Its weldability rates good (62/100) against fair (40/100) for AM60B.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and AZ81A 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.