Magnesium Alloy AM60B Squeeze Cast
Heat-treated state
ASTM AM60B · UNS M10602 · EN EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn
Used for thick-section, highly loaded parts (wheels, brackets) where HPDC porosity would be unacceptable.
Values for the Squeeze Cast condition
Other AM60B tempers and conditions
AM60B is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AM60B.
- Squeeze Cast
- As Cast
- HV-HPDC
- Thixomolded
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Squeeze CastThis page 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 Squeeze Cast?
AM60B Squeeze Cast is AM60B heat treated to Squeeze Cast — used for thick-section, highly loaded parts (wheels, brackets) where HPDC porosity would be unacceptable. AM60B Squeeze Cast has a yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). AM60B Squeeze 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). As Cast is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Squeeze Cast is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 21 MPa·√m (19.1 ksi·√in), better than 102% 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 — 15%, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 62 W/m·K (35.8 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
AM60B Squeeze Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60B Squeeze Cast; 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 Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast has a yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM60B Squeeze Cast is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 62 W/m·K (35.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 25.6 µm/m·K (14.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AM60B Squeeze Cast conducts electricity at 14 % IACS, worse than 58% 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 Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast'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 Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast — frequently asked
What is AM60B Squeeze Cast used for?
AM60B Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast?
AM60B Squeeze Cast has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 80% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM60B Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast 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 Squeeze 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 Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast?
AM60B Squeeze 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 Squeeze Cast?
Yes — AM60B Squeeze 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.