Magnesium Alloy AM60B Thixomolded
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ASTM AM60B · UNS M10602 · EN EN-MC21230, MgAl6Mn
Choose for thin-wall electronics housings: fine globular structure gives lower porosity and slightly higher strength than conventional HPDC.
Values for the Thixomolded 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 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 |
ThixomoldedThis page 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 Thixomolded?
AM60B Thixomolded is AM60B in the Thixomolded condition — choose for thin-wall electronics housings: fine globular structure gives lower porosity and slightly higher strength than conventional HPDC. AM60B Thixomolded has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). AM60B Thixomolded 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; Thixomolded is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 35/100, better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 18 MPa·√m (16.4 ksi·√in), better than 97% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% 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 Thixomolded properties
Typical room-temperature values for AM60B Thixomolded; 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 Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AM60B Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AM60B Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AM60B Thixomolded
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 Thixomolded — frequently asked
What is AM60B Thixomolded used for?
AM60B Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded?
AM60B Thixomolded has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AM60B Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). 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 Thixomolded?
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 Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded?
AM60B Thixomolded 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 Thixomolded?
Yes — AM60B Thixomolded 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.