Magnesium Alloy AM60B · finish state · default condition
Magnesium Alloy AM60B As Cast
Properties of the As Cast condition, compared with the other AM60B tempers.
Standard commercial condition: cold-chamber HPDC parts used straight from the die (with trim) for energy-absorbing structural castings.
What is AM60B As Cast?
AM60B As Cast is AM60B supplied in the As Cast condition — standard commercial condition: cold-chamber HPDC parts used straight from the die (with trim) for energy-absorbing structural castings. AM60B As Cast 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). AM60B As Cast 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).
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 85% 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 76% of magnesium alloy grades
AM60B As Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60B As Cast — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every AM60B temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the magnesium alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
AM60B As Cast 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 As Cast 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 As Cast 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 As Cast conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM60B As Cast 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 As Cast'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.
Other AM60B tempers and conditions
AM60B is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the AM60B overview.
- As CastDefaultStandard commercial condition: cold-chamber HPDC parts used straight from the die (with trim) for energy-absorbing structural castings.130 MPa yield · 62 HB
Working with AM60B As Cast
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.
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.
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 | — |
AM60B As Cast — frequently asked
What is AM60B As Cast used for?
AM60B As Cast 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 As Cast?
AM60B As Cast 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 As Cast 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 As Cast 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 As Cast?
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 As Cast 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 As Cast?
AM60B As Cast 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in AM60B As Cast?
Yes — AM60B As Cast 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.