FabDigitFabDigit

Magnesium Alloy MB15-F vs MB15-T5

Magnesium Alloy · MB15 temper comparison

MB15-F and MB15-T5 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MB15: F (as fabricated) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MB15-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for MB15-F, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 315 MPa (45.7 ksi). In exchange, MB15-F is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 11% for MB15-T5, and MB15-T5 is harder (82 HB vs 70 HB). MB15-T5 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).

MB15-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

MB15-T5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

MB15-F vs MB15-T5: properties

MB15-FMB15-T5

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

44 GPa6.4 Msi
45 GPa6.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
275 MPa39.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
11%

Compressive Strength

210 MPa30.5 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Shear Strength

160 MPa23.2 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

7 J5.2 ft·lbf
6 J4.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

70 HB
82 HB

Hardness, Vickers

75 HV
88 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 520°C968 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

115 W/m·K66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

120°C248 °F
150°C302 °F

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 340 J/g146 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

26 % IACS
28 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in
6.1×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.4 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

20 / 100
22 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.57 V

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

30 / 100
25 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 480% · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleMB15

MB15-F vs MB15-T5 — frequently asked

Is MB15-T5 stronger than MB15-F?

Yes. MB15-T5 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for MB15-F — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 315 MPa (45.7 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T5?

T5 is the default MB15 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, MB15-F or MB15-T5?

MB15-F. Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against poor (25/100) for MB15-T5.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MB15-F and MB15-T5 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.