Magnesium Alloy AZ31B vs M1A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AZ31B and M1A are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ31B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for M1A, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). AZ31B is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 12% for M1A, and AZ31B is harder (49 HB vs 44 HB). M1A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and M1A conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 96 W/m·K). On the shop floor, M1A welds better (excellent vs very good).
AZ31BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
M1AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
AZ31B vs M1A: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | AZ31B | M1A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | O | O |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 7 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Painting, Powder Coating.
AZ31B vs M1A — frequently asked
Is AZ31B stronger than M1A?
Yes. AZ31B has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for M1A — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AZ31B or M1A?
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, AZ31B or M1A?
M1A. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (70/100) for AZ31B.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ31B and M1A 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.