Magnesium Alloy AM60B
ASTM AM60B · UNS M10602 · EN EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn
AM60B is a Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy (UNS M10602, EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn) whose lower aluminium content than AZ91 raises ductility and impact toughness.
Values for the As Cast condition
AM60B tempers and conditions
AM60B is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. As Cast 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Squeeze cast / low-porosity permanent mould | Used for thick-section, highly loaded parts (wheels, brackets) where HPDC porosity would be unacceptable. | 115 | 220 | 15 | 58 HB | 14 % IACS |
As CastDefault high-pressure die cast, no heat treatment | Standard commercial condition: cold-chamber HPDC parts used straight from the die (with trim) for energy-absorbing structural castings. | 130 | 225 | 8 | 62 HB | 61 W/m·K |
High-vacuum die cast | Pick when the casting must be fusion-welded, riveted or loaded in crash; vacuum-assisted dies cut gas porosity and raise ductility. | 130 | 235 | 14 | 62 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
Thixomolded / semi-solid injection moulded | Choose for thin-wall electronics housings: fine globular structure gives lower porosity and slightly higher strength than conventional HPDC. | 140 | 240 | 12 | 65 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
What is AM60B?
AM60B is a Mg-Al-Mn high-pressure die-casting alloy (UNS M10602, EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn) whose lower aluminium content than AZ91 raises ductility and impact toughness. It is specified for thin-wall automotive structural and safety castings, with 130 MPa yield, 225 MPa tensile strength, 8 % elongation, 62 HB and 61 W/m·K in the as-cast condition; HV-HPDC, thixomolded and squeeze-cast forms are also available. Service is limited to about 120 °C, a protective coating is mandatory, and conventional die castings weld poorly (weldability 40/100). AZ91 is the alternative where strength and castability outrank ductility. AM60B 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). AM60B has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is AM60B used for?
- Instrument panel cross-car beams
- Steering wheel armatures
- Wheel rims
- Seat frames
- Airbag housings
- Door inner structures
- Portable tool housings
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 16 MPa·√m (14.6 ksi·√in), better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 61 W/m·K (35.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 40/100, worse than 75% of magnesium alloy grades
AM60B properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60B-As Cast; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AM60B 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).
Mechanical13
AM60B has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM60B 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
AM60B conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM60B takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 26 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
AM60B's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability poor (20/100).
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. AM60B is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AM60B
Is AM60B easy to machine?
Machines faster than any common metal with low cutting forces, but dry fine chips ignite — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant, and controlled chip collection.
Can AM60B be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with AZ61A or AZ92A filler works on low-porosity (vacuum/squeeze) castings; standard HPDC parts blister from entrapped gas, so mechanical joining, self-pierce riveting or FSW is preferred.
Can AM60B be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold-chamber die-casting fluidity for 1.5–3 mm walls at 660–700 °C melt with SF6-free cover gas; not cold formable — any bending needs 200–300 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to AM60B. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent95 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.7 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 400 / 460 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
AM60B 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 |
| MnMn ties up Fe as intermetallics, key to corrosion control | 0.25 – 0.6 | 0.35 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.22 | 0.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Cuhigh-purity 'B' limit | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Nihigh-purity 'B' limit | ≤ 0 | |
| Fehigh-purity 'B' limit; Fe/Mn ratio controlled | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on AM60B?
Always apply a conversion coat (chrome-free/chromate), Dow 17/HAE anodize or PEO plus e-coat or powder paint; isolate steel and aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic pitting.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on magnesium alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Conversion Coating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy AM60B in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M10602
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- EN-MC21230MgAl6Mn
- Trade names
- High Ductility Mg
- Also called
- AM60B-F
How much does AM60B cost?
AM60B is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 59% 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.
AM60B — frequently asked
What is AM60B used for?
AM60B is typically used for instrument panel cross-car beams, steering wheel armatures, wheel rims, seat frames, airbag housings and door inner structures. In short: ductile die-cast magnesium.
What is the yield strength of AM60B?
AM60B has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM60B easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster than any common metal with low cutting forces, but dry fine chips ignite — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant, and controlled chip collection.
Can AM60B be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). GTAW/GMAW with AZ61A or AZ92A filler works on low-porosity (vacuum/squeeze) castings; standard HPDC parts blister from entrapped gas, so mechanical joining, self-pierce riveting or FSW is preferred.
What surface finishes work on AM60B?
Always apply a conversion coat (chrome-free/chromate), Dow 17/HAE anodize or PEO plus e-coat or powder paint; isolate steel and aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic pitting.
Can AM60B be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold-chamber die-casting fluidity for 1.5–3 mm walls at 660–700 °C melt with SF6-free cover gas; not cold formable — any bending needs 200–300 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of AM60B?
AM60B 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 AM60B As Cast and AM60B HV-HPDC?
As Cast is the default condition — standard commercial condition: cold-chamber HPDC parts used straight from the die (with trim) for energy-absorbing structural castings. HV-HPDC: pick when the casting must be fusion-welded, riveted or loaded in crash; vacuum-assisted dies cut gas porosity and raise ductility. Yield strength is 130 MPa in As Cast versus 130 MPa in HV-HPDC.
How much does AM60B cost?
AM60B is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 59% 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in AM60B?
Yes — AM60B is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
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)
- AM60B die casting alloy datasheet — Magnesium Elektron / US Magnesium (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.