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Magnesium Alloy AS41B vs AZ91A

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AS41B and AZ91A are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ91A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for AS41B, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi). In exchange, AS41B is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for AZ91A, and AS41B is harder (75 HB vs 63 HB). AS41B runs hotter in service (175°C vs 120°C continuous) and AS41B conducts electricity better (13.5 % IACS vs 12 % IACS).

AS41BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

AZ91AChoose it when strength drives the design.

AS41B vs AZ91A: properties

AS41BAZ91A

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

215 MPa31.2 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

140 MPa20.3 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
3%

Compressive Strength

140 MPa20.3 ksi
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in
12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

75 HB
63 HB

Hardness, Vickers

—
70 HV

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 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

565°C1,049 °F
470°C878 °F

Liquidus Temperature

620°C1,148 °F
595°C1,103 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

68 W/m·K39.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
72 W/m·K41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

26.1 µm/m·K14.5 µin/in·°F
26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
120°C248 °F

Min Service Temperature

-70°C-94 °F
-100°C-148 °F

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

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13.5 % IACS
12 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.27×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5 µΩ·in
1.41×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.55 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.6 V
-1.55 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

35 / 100
30 / 100

Castability

85 / 100
95 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

15 / 100
20 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Formability (cold) 10 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb
350 MJ/kg150,473 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

32 kg CO₂/kg
28 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)

121 kN·m/kg
127 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.4 MN·m/kg
24.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

218 kJ/m³
250 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

37.7 mm²/s
39 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
14

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 scaleAS41BAZ91A

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAS41BAZ91A
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—

AS41B vs AZ91A — frequently asked

Is AZ91A stronger than AS41B?

Yes. AZ91A has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for AS41B — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AS41B 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, AS41B or AZ91A?

AS41B. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for AZ91A.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AS41B 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.