Magnesium Alloy AM60A
ASTM AM60A · UNS M10600
AM60A is a standard-purity Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy (UNS M10600, ASTM B94 alloy family) that trades peak strength for the elongation and energy absorption needed in crash-loaded housings.
Reference datasheet — AM60A 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
AM60A tempers and conditions
AM60A is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDefault As fabricated | Standard supply condition: high-pressure die cast, no heat treatment — used for energy-absorbing automotive housings and frames. | 130 | 220 | 7 | 62 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
SSM / Thixomolded semi-solid moulded | Choose for near-net thin-wall electronics/automotive parts needing low porosity and better ductility than conventional HPDC. | 135 | 235 | 13 | 62 HB | 14 % IACS |
F | Pick when the part is a thin, rapidly solidified wall or vacuum-assisted casting — finer grain and less porosity raise strength and ductility. | 145 | 250 | 12 | 65 HB | 13.8 % IACS |
What is AM60A?
AM60A is a standard-purity Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy (UNS M10600, ASTM B94 alloy family) that trades peak strength for the elongation and energy absorption needed in crash-loaded housings. In the as-cast F condition it gives about 130 MPa yield, 220 MPa tensile, 7% elongation and 62 HB, and it machines faster than any aluminium alloy (machinability 95). Service is limited to roughly 120 °C and weldability is low (35) because die-cast porosity blisters, so parts are joined mechanically. Standard-purity Fe/Ni/Cu levels give worse salt corrosion than high-purity AM60B, which is the direct modern substitute. AM60A has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F). AM60A has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is AM60A used for?
- automotive brackets
- housings
- wheel spokes
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 61 W/m·K (35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 35/100, worse than 80% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
AM60A properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60A-F; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AM60A has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F).
Mechanical14
AM60A has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM60A is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 61 W/m·K (35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 25.6 µm/m·K (14.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AM60A conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (25/100), better than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM60A takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
AM60A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
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. AM60A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AM60A
Is AM60A easy to machine?
Cuts extremely fast with sharp positive-rake tools and high speed; use flood coolant or dry with chip control and never let fine chips/dust accumulate — magnesium fines are a fire hazard (Class D extinguisher on hand).
Can AM60A be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with AZ61A or AZ92A filler under argon is possible on low-porosity sections, but standard HPDC parts gas-blister; prefer mechanical joining, self-piercing rivets or adhesive bonding.
Can AM60A be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber high-pressure die casting at ~650–700 °C melt under SF6-free cover gas; excellent fluidity for 1.5–3 mm walls, keep die temperature uniform to avoid cold shuts and hot tearing at thick-to-thin transitions.
AM60A 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 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| Mn0.13 % min per ASTM B94 | 0.13 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.22 | 0.05 |
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.05 |
| Cumuch looser than AM60B (0.010 max) — key corrosion difference | ≤ 0.35 | 0.02 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.03 | 0 |
| Fenot specified in AM60A; controlled to 0.005 max in AM60B | ≈ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on AM60A?
Always apply a conversion coating (chromate or chrome-free) or Dow 17/HAE/PEO anodize plus powder or e-coat; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to avoid severe galvanic attack, especially at this standard-purity level.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy AM60A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M10600
- Also called
- AM60A-F
How much does AM60A cost?
AM60A 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.
AM60A — frequently asked
What is AM60A used for?
AM60A is typically used for automotive brackets, housings and wheel spokes. In short: ductile die-cast magnesium; legacy grade behind AM60B; near-top machinability score.
What is the yield strength of AM60A?
AM60A has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is AM60A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts extremely fast with sharp positive-rake tools and high speed; use flood coolant or dry with chip control and never let fine chips/dust accumulate — magnesium fines are a fire hazard (Class D extinguisher on hand).
Can AM60A be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). GTAW/GMAW with AZ61A or AZ92A filler under argon is possible on low-porosity sections, but standard HPDC parts gas-blister; prefer mechanical joining, self-piercing rivets or adhesive bonding.
What surface finishes work on AM60A?
Always apply a conversion coating (chromate or chrome-free) or Dow 17/HAE/PEO anodize plus powder or e-coat; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to avoid severe galvanic attack, especially at this standard-purity level.
Can AM60A be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber high-pressure die casting at ~650–700 °C melt under SF6-free cover gas; excellent fluidity for 1.5–3 mm walls, keep die temperature uniform to avoid cold shuts and hot tearing at thick-to-thin transitions.
What is the maximum service temperature of AM60A?
AM60A 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 AM60A-F and AM60A F-TW?
F is the default condition — standard supply condition: high-pressure die cast, no heat treatment — used for energy-absorbing automotive housings and frames. F-TW: pick when the part is a thin, rapidly solidified wall or vacuum-assisted casting — finer grain and less porosity raise strength and ductility. Yield strength is 130 MPa in F versus 145 MPa in F-TW.
How much does AM60A cost?
AM60A 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)
- ASTM B93/B93M — Magnesium Alloys in Ingot Form for Sand, Permanent Mold and Die Castings — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM D1732 — Preparation of Magnesium Alloy Surfaces for Painting — ASTM International (2019)
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.