Magnesium Alloy EV31A vs MB15
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy EV31A and MB15 are both magnesium alloy grades. MB15 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A, about 150% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi). MB15 is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 4% for EV31A, and MB15 is harder (82 HB vs 55 HB). MB15 conducts heat better (121 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EV31A welds better (very good vs poor) and EV31A sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than MB15 (high, $$$$).
EV31AChoose it when it will be welded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
MB15Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EV31A vs MB15: 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
Poisson's Ratio
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, Vickers
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 15%
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 | EV31A | MB15 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
EV31A vs MB15 — frequently asked
Is MB15 stronger than EV31A?
Yes. MB15 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A — about 150% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EV31A or MB15?
EV31A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while MB15 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, EV31A or MB15?
MB15, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 90/100 for EV31A; for welding the order is EV31A first (very good, 72/100) then MB15 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EV31A and MB15 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.