Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs AZ91A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60B and AZ91A are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ91A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B, about 15% more. In exchange, AM60B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for AZ91A. AZ91A conducts heat better (72 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AM60B welds better (fair vs poor).
AM60BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
AZ91AChoose it when strength drives the design.
AM60B vs AZ91A: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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
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)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · 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).
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | AZ91A |
|---|---|---|
| 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 AZ91A — frequently asked
Is AZ91A stronger than AM60B?
Yes. AZ91A has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60B or AZ91A?
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 AZ91A?
AM60B. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for AZ91A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and AZ91A 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.