Magnesium Alloy MB3-F vs MB3-M
Magnesium Alloy · MB3 temper comparison
MB3-F and MB3-M are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MB3: F (as fabricated) versus M (thermomechanically controlled processed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MB3-F is the stronger of the two: yield strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MB3-M, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi). In exchange, MB3-M is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 12% for MB3-F, and MB3-F is harder (55 HB vs 48 HB).
MB3-FChoose it when strength drives the design.
MB3-MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
MB3-F vs MB3-M: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.79 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 550°C1,022 °F · Liquidus Temperature 620°C1,148 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 88 W/m·K50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 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 370 J/g159 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 130°C266 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 16 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.08×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.25 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 55 / 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) 28 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
MB3-F vs MB3-M — frequently asked
Is MB3-F stronger than MB3-M?
Yes. MB3-F has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for MB3-M — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or M?
F is the default MB3 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 is easier to machine, MB3-F or MB3-M?
MB3-F, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 90/100 for MB3-M; for welding the order is MB3-M first (good, 65/100) then MB3-F (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MB3-F and MB3-M 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.