FabDigitFabDigit

Magnesium Alloy AZ61A vs MgMn2

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AZ61A and MgMn2 are both magnesium alloy grades. AZ61A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for MgMn2, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi). AZ61A is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 12% for MgMn2, and AZ61A is harder (60 HB vs 44 HB). MgMn2 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 130°C continuous) and MgMn2 conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 80 W/m·K). On the shop floor, MgMn2 welds better (excellent vs very good) and AZ61A sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than MgMn2 (premium, $$$).

AZ61AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

MgMn2Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.

AZ61A vs MgMn2: properties

AZ61AMgMn2

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
255 MPa37 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

16%
12%

Compressive Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
83 MPa12 ksi

Shear Strength

140 MPa20.3 ksi
125 MPa18.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

125 MPa18.1 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

60 HB
44 HB

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 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.76 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

510°C950 °F
648°C1,198 °F

Liquidus Temperature

620°C1,148 °F
651°C1,204 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

80 W/m·K46.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
138 W/m·K79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,040 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F
1,030 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

373 J/g160 BTU/lb
370 J/g159 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

130°C266 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-60°C-76 °F
-100°C-148 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13.5 % IACS
33 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
5.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.05 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.55 V
-1.58 V

Corrosion Resistance

18 / 100
30 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

95 / 100
96 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

500%
400%

Weldability

70 / 100
88 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
28 / 100

Castability

40 / 100
—

Polishability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Typical Recycled Content

25%
20%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 340 MJ/kg146,174 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 27 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

172 kN·m/kg
145 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25 MN·m/kg
25.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

588 kJ/m³
360 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

42.7 mm²/s
76.1 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

21
30

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 scaleAZ61AMgMn2

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAZ61AMgMn2
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionF—
Relative cost$$ Standard$$$ Premium
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—

AZ61A vs MgMn2 — frequently asked

Is AZ61A stronger than MgMn2?

Yes. AZ61A has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for MgMn2 — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AZ61A or MgMn2?

AZ61A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while MgMn2 is premium ($$$). 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 MgMn2?

MgMn2. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (70/100) for AZ61A.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ61A and MgMn2 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.