Magnesium Alloy MA2-M vs MA2-N
Magnesium Alloy · MA2 temper comparison
MA2-M and MA2-N are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MA2: M (thermomechanically controlled processed) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MA2-N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA2-M, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, MA2-M is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 10% for MA2-N, and MA2-N is harder (62 HB vs 50 HB). MA2-M runs hotter in service (120°C vs 110°C continuous).
MA2-MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
MA2-NChoose it when strength drives the design.
MA2-M vs MA2-N: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 35 GPa5.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Strength 240 MPa34.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf · Hardness, Vickers 55 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.78 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 566°C1,051 °F · Liquidus Temperature 630°C1,166 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 96 W/m·K55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 18.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 9.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.62 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500% · Castability 50 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 33 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
MA2-M vs MA2-N — frequently asked
Is MA2-N stronger than MA2-M?
Yes. MA2-N has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MA2-M — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, M or N?
M is the default MA2 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.
Which welds better, MA2-M or MA2-N?
MA2-M. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for MA2-N.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MA2-M and MA2-N 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.