Magnesium Alloy MC3-F vs MC3-T5
Magnesium Alloy · MC3 temper comparison
MC3-F and MC3-T5 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, MC3: F (as fabricated) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MC3-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 135 MPa (19.6 ksi) for MC3-F, about 22% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi). In exchange, MC3-F is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3.5% for MC3-T5, and MC3-T5 is harder (65 HB vs 55 HB). MC3-T5 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
MC3-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
MC3-T5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
MC3-F vs MC3-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
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 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) 549°C1,020 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °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 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 27 µm/m·K15 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 370 J/g159 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
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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) 32 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 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.
MC3-F vs MC3-T5 — frequently asked
Is MC3-T5 stronger than MC3-F?
Yes. MC3-T5 has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 135 MPa (19.6 ksi) for MC3-F — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T5?
T5 is the default MC3 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, MC3-F or MC3-T5?
MC3-F. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for MC3-T5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MC3-F and MC3-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.