Magnesium Alloy AM60B HV-HPDC
Finish state
ASTM AM60B · UNS M10602 · EN EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn
HV-HPDC = 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.
Values for the HV-HPDC condition
Other AM60B tempers and conditions
AM60B is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AM60B.
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 |
HV-HPDCThis page 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 HV-HPDC?
AM60B HV-HPDC is AM60B supplied in the HV-HPDC condition — pick when the casting must be fusion-welded, riveted or loaded in crash; vacuum-assisted dies cut gas porosity and raise ductility. AM60B HV-HPDC has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). AM60B HV-HPDC 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). As Cast is the default condition FabDigit quotes; HV-HPDC is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 20 MPa·√m (18.2 ksi·√in), better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 32/100, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 14%, better than 83% 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
AM60B HV-HPDC properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60B HV-HPDC; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AM60B reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (32/100), better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (60/100); formability poor (22/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AM60B HV-HPDC
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 HV-HPDC — frequently asked
What is AM60B HV-HPDC used for?
AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC?
AM60B HV-HPDC has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). 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 HV-HPDC?
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 HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC?
AM60B HV-HPDC 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 HV-HPDC?
Yes — AM60B HV-HPDC 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.