Magnesium Alloy MA8-AW vs MA8-H
Magnesium Alloy · MA8 temper comparison
MA8-AW and MA8-H are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MA8: AW (as-welded deposit) versus H (hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MA8-H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for MA8-AW, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). MA8-H is harder — 55 HB against 42 HB for MA8-AW — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. MA8-AW runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
MA8-AWChoose it when the part sees heat.
MA8-HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
MA8-AW vs MA8-H: 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)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 43 GPa6.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 8%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.78 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 648°C1,198 °F · Liquidus Temperature 651°C1,204 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,050 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 370 J/g159 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 30 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
MA8-AW vs MA8-H — frequently asked
Is MA8-H stronger than MA8-AW?
Yes. MA8-H has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for MA8-AW — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or H?
M is the default MA8 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor H). 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, MA8-AW or MA8-H?
MA8-AW. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (80/100) for MA8-H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MA8-AW and MA8-H 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.