Magnesium Alloy MC2-T4 vs MC2-T5
Magnesium Alloy · MC2 temper comparison
MC2-T4 and MC2-T5 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MC2: 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. MC2-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for MC2-T4, about 21% more. In exchange, MC2-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 1% for MC2-T5, and MC2-T5 is harder (70 HB vs 63 HB).
MC2-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
MC2-T5Choose it when strength drives the design.
MC2-T4 vs MC2-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 · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 88 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.83 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 443°C829 °F · Liquidus Temperature 596°C1,105 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 72 W/m·K41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,050 J/kg·K0.25 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25.2 µm/m·K14 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 373 J/g160 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 12 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.45×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.71 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 480% · Weldability 60 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 350 MJ/kg150,473 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 30 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 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.
MC2-T4 vs MC2-T5 — frequently asked
Is MC2-T5 stronger than MC2-T4?
Yes. MC2-T5 has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for MC2-T4 — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T5?
T6 is the default MC2 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.
When should I choose MC2-T4 over MC2-T5?
Pick MC2-T4 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick MC2-T5 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MC2-T4 and MC2-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.