Magnesium Alloy MC1-T4 vs MC1-T5
Magnesium Alloy · MC1 temper comparison
MC1-T4 and MC1-T5 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MC1: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MC1-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for MC1-T4, about 22% more. In exchange, MC1-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 2% for MC1-T5, and MC1-T5 is harder (65 HB vs 55 HB). MC1-T5 conducts heat better (72 W/m·K vs 55 W/m·K).
MC1-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
MC1-T5Choose it when strength drives the design.
MC1-T4 vs MC1-T5: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 1.81 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 470°C878 °F · Liquidus Temperature 595°C1,103 °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 373 J/g160 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500% · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 310 MJ/kg133,276 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 30 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
MC1-T4 vs MC1-T5 — frequently asked
Is MC1-T5 stronger than MC1-T4?
Yes. MC1-T5 has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for MC1-T4 — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T5?
T6 is the default MC1 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4 nor T5). 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, MC1-T4 or MC1-T5?
MC1-T4. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for MC1-T5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MC1-T4 and MC1-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.