Magnesium Alloy AZ81A-F vs AZ81A-T4
Magnesium Alloy · AZ81A temper comparison
AZ81A-F and AZ81A-T4 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, AZ81A: F (as fabricated) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AZ81A-T4 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for AZ81A-F, about 72% more. AZ81A-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 3% for AZ81A-F, and AZ81A-F is harder (60 HB vs 55 HB). AZ81A-F conducts heat better (72 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K).
AZ81A-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AZ81A-F vs AZ81A-T4: 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
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) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 490°C914 °F · Liquidus Temperature 605°C1,121 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 373 J/g160 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
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.
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500% · Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Castability 78 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 350 MJ/kg150,473 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 30 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 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.
AZ81A-F vs AZ81A-T4 — frequently asked
Is AZ81A-T4 stronger than AZ81A-F?
Yes. AZ81A-T4 has a typical tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for AZ81A-F — about 72% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T4?
T4 is the default AZ81A condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose AZ81A-F over AZ81A-T4?
Pick AZ81A-T4 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ81A-F and AZ81A-T4 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.