Magnesium Alloy AZ31B vs MA8
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AZ31B and MA8 are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ31B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA8, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi). AZ31B is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 15% for MA8, and AZ31B is harder (49 HB vs 45 HB). MA8 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and MA8 conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 96 W/m·K). On the shop floor, MA8 welds better (excellent vs very good) and AZ31B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than MA8 (premium, $$$).
AZ31BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
MA8Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
AZ31B vs MA8: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/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 | MA8 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | — |
| 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 | — |
AZ31B vs MA8 — frequently asked
Is AZ31B stronger than MA8?
Yes. AZ31B has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA8 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AZ31B or MA8?
AZ31B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while MA8 is premium ($$$). 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, AZ31B or MA8?
MA8. Its weldability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (70/100) for AZ31B.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ31B and MA8 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.