Magnesium Alloy AS41B vs MC2
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AS41B and MC2 are both magnesium alloy grades. MC2 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for AS41B, about 28% more. In exchange, AS41B is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for MC2, and MC2 is harder (84 HB vs 75 HB). AS41B is lighter (1.77 g/cm³ vs 1.83 g/cm³ for MC2) and AS41B runs hotter in service (175°C vs 130°C continuous). On the shop floor, MC2 welds better (good vs fair).
AS41BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
MC2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
AS41B vs MC2: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 | AS41B | MC2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
AS41B vs MC2 — frequently asked
Is MC2 stronger than AS41B?
Yes. MC2 has a typical tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for AS41B — about 28% more.
Which is cheaper, AS41B or MC2?
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 MC2?
MC2. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against fair (35/100) for AS41B.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AS41B and MC2 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.