Magnesium Alloy AZ61A vs MA8
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AZ61A and MA8 are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ61A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA8, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi). AZ61A is harder — 60 HB against 45 HB for MA8 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. MA8 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 130°C continuous) and MA8 conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 80 W/m·K). On the shop floor, MA8 welds better (excellent vs very good), MA8 forms better (fair vs poor), and AZ61A sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than MA8 (premium, $$$).
AZ61AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
MA8Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
AZ61A 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
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
Same in both: 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
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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: 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 | AZ61A | MA8 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | F | — |
| 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 | — |
AZ61A vs MA8 — frequently asked
Is AZ61A stronger than MA8?
Yes. AZ61A has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA8 — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AZ61A or MA8?
AZ61A 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, AZ61A or MA8?
MA8. Its weldability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (70/100) for AZ61A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ61A 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.