Magnesium Alloy AM50A
ASTM AM50A · UNS M10500 · EN EN-MC21220, MgAl5Mn
AM50A (UNS M10500, EN-MC21220, MgAl5Mn) is a Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy whose 5% aluminium content places its strength and ductility between AM60 and AZ91.
Reference datasheet — AM50A is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F condition
AM50A tempers and conditions
AM50A is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F, heavy-section / in-part property | Use for design values cut from thick regions of a casting, where slower cooling and porosity lower strength and ductility. | 115 | 200 | 7 | 57 HB | 13 % IACS |
As-moulded semi-solid | Choose for low-porosity, pressure-tight or higher-ductility parts made by semi-solid injection or squeeze casting rather than conventional HPDC. | 120 | 235 | 16 | 58 HB | 13 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Standard commercial condition: hot-chamber HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment. | 125 | 230 | 12 | 60 HB | 13 % IACS |
F, thin-wall casting | Pick when properties are quoted on rapidly solidified thin walls; finer grain gives the upper end of strength and ductility. | 130 | 245 | 15 | 62 HB | 13 % IACS |
What is AM50A?
AM50A (UNS M10500, EN-MC21220, MgAl5Mn) is a Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy whose 5% aluminium content places its strength and ductility between AM60 and AZ91. As-cast it gives 125 MPa yield, 230 MPa tensile, 12% elongation and 60 HB with 65 W/m·K conductivity and a machinability score of 95, which is why it is used for thin-wall automotive die castings that must absorb energy. It is not heat treated, is limited to about 120 °C service, and die-cast porosity makes welding unreliable, so joints are usually mechanical. AM60A/B is the choice when higher strength is needed at similar ductility. AM50A has a density of 1.77 g/cm³ (0.0639 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 543°C (1,009 °F). AM50A has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is AM50A used for?
- automotive steering wheels
- seat frames
- instrument panel supports
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 30/100, worse than 90% of magnesium alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 65 W/m·K (37.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low strength — 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), worse than 75% of magnesium alloy grades
AM50A properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM50A-F; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AM50A has a density of 1.77 g/cm³ (0.0639 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 543°C (1,009 °F).
Mechanical14
AM50A has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM50A is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 65 W/m·K (37.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AM50A conducts electricity at 13 % IACS, worse than 68% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM50A takes about 300 MJ of energy and emits 26 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
AM50A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the magnesium alloy family
Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade FabDigit runs. AM50A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AM50A
Is AM50A easy to machine?
Machines faster than any other structural metal with low cutting forces; use sharp, high-rake tools, dry or with mineral oil (never water-based coolant) and keep fine chips/dust away from ignition sources.
Can AM50A be welded?
TIG/MIG with AZ61A or AZ92A filler is possible on clean areas, but die-cast porosity outgasses and cracks the weld; mechanical fastening, self-piercing rivets or adhesive bonding are preferred.
Can AM50A be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for hot-chamber HPDC at ~660–690 °C melt with 1.5–3 mm walls, good die filling and low hot-cracking tendency; no cold forming after casting, and heat treatment is not used.
AM50A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 4.4 – 5.4 | 4.9 |
| MnMn essential for Fe tolerance / corrosion | 0.26 – 0.6 | 0.35 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.22 | 0.05 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Ni | ≤ 0 | 0 |
| Fehigh-purity limit; Fe/Mn ratio controlled | ≤ 0 | 0 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on AM50A?
Requires a protective system: alkaline clean, chromate-free conversion coat or plasma-electrolytic coating, then e-coat/powder paint; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy AM50A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M10500
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- EN-MC21220MgAl5Mn
- Also called
- AM50A-F
How much does AM50A cost?
AM50A is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
AM50A — frequently asked
What is AM50A used for?
AM50A is typically used for automotive steering wheels, seat frames and instrument panel supports. In short: ductile automotive die-casting alloy; between AM60 and AZ91; energy-absorbing safety castings.
What is the yield strength of AM50A?
AM50A has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM50A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster than any other structural metal with low cutting forces; use sharp, high-rake tools, dry or with mineral oil (never water-based coolant) and keep fine chips/dust away from ignition sources.
Can AM50A be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). TIG/MIG with AZ61A or AZ92A filler is possible on clean areas, but die-cast porosity outgasses and cracks the weld; mechanical fastening, self-piercing rivets or adhesive bonding are preferred.
What surface finishes work on AM50A?
Requires a protective system: alkaline clean, chromate-free conversion coat or plasma-electrolytic coating, then e-coat/powder paint; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Can AM50A be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for hot-chamber HPDC at ~660–690 °C melt with 1.5–3 mm walls, good die filling and low hot-cracking tendency; no cold forming after casting, and heat treatment is not used.
What is the maximum service temperature of AM50A?
AM50A is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between AM50A-F and AM50A F-heavy?
F is the default condition — standard commercial condition: hot-chamber HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment. F-heavy: use for design values cut from thick regions of a casting, where slower cooling and porosity lower strength and ductility. Yield strength is 125 MPa in F versus 115 MPa in F-heavy.
How much does AM50A cost?
AM50A is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B94 – Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- EN 1753 – Magnesium and magnesium alloys: ingots and castings (EN-MC21220) — CEN (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 – Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- Magnesium Elektron / Meridian AM50A die-casting alloy data — Luxfer MEL Technologies (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.