Magnesium Alloy AM50A F-heavy
Finish state
ASTM AM50A · UNS M10500 · EN EN-MC21220, MgAl5Mn
F-heavy = 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.
Values for the F-heavy condition
Other AM50A tempers and conditions
AM50A is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AM50A.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F-heavyThis page 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 F-heavy?
AM50A F-heavy is AM50A supplied in the F-heavy condition — use for design values cut from thick regions of a casting, where slower cooling and porosity lower strength and ductility. AM50A F-heavy has a yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi). AM50A F-heavy 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F-heavy is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 64 W/m·K (37 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low strength — 115 MPa (16.7 ksi), worse than 80% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
AM50A F-heavy properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM50A F-heavy; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AM50A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AM50A F-heavy 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 F-heavy has a yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
AM50A F-heavy is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 64 W/m·K (37 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 F-heavy conducts electricity at 13 % IACS, worse than 68% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (28/100), better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM50A F-heavy 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 F-heavy's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (8/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AM50A F-heavy
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.
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.
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 | — |
AM50A F-heavy — frequently asked
What is AM50A F-heavy used for?
AM50A F-heavy 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 F-heavy?
AM50A F-heavy has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM50A F-heavy 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 F-heavy be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). 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 F-heavy?
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 F-heavy 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 F-heavy?
AM50A F-heavy 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.