Magnesium Alloy AZ61A
ASTM AZ61A · UNS M11610 · EN MgAl6Zn1
AZ61A is a higher-strength wrought Mg-Al-Zn alloy (about 6% Al, 1% Zn) supplied as extrusions, bar and forgings in F and as-extruded condition (UNS M11610).
Values for the F condition
AZ61A tempers and conditions
AZ61A is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. F 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ER AZ61A filler wire deposit / welded joint | AZ61A is also sold as GTAW/GMAW filler wire (ER AZ61A) for AZ31B, AZ61A and AZ80A; use this state for as-welded joint estimates, and stress-relieve to avoid SCC. | 160 | 250 | 8 | 55 HB | 13 % IACS |
press forgings per ASTM B91 | Choose for press-forged AZ61A parts where a more isotropic flow structure is needed; slightly lower yield and ductility than extrusions. | 180 | 295 | 12 | 55 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Standard stocked condition for AZ61A bar, rod, tube and profile per ASTM B107; pick it for general structural extrusions and machined parts. | 230 | 310 | 16 | 60 HB | — |
extruded bar / rod / tube / shape, ASTM B107 | Use for extruded product where the wrought texture of the extrusion is the delivered state; strength rises slightly in thin sections and small diameters. | 235 | 315 | 16 | 60 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
What is AZ61A?
AZ61A is a higher-strength wrought Mg-Al-Zn alloy (about 6% Al, 1% Zn) supplied as extrusions, bar and forgings in F and as-extruded condition (UNS M11610). It delivers 230 MPa yield, 310 MPa tensile strength, 16% elongation and 60 HB — a clear step above AZ31B while keeping good machinability (score 95) and fusion weldability (score 70). Limits are a 130 °C maximum service temperature, poor cold formability (score 25) that requires hot working, and low bare corrosion resistance. Choose AZ31B for sheet forming or AZ80A/ZK60A for higher strength. AZ61A has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F). AZ61A has a yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is AZ61A used for?
- Aerospace brackets and fittings
- Bicycle wheel rims and frame tubing
- Extruded structural profiles
- Forged lever and linkage arms
- Portable equipment frames
- Welded magnesium tube assemblies
- Handheld tool housings
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
- High strength — 230 MPa (33.4 ksi), better than 93% of magnesium alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 16%, better than 92% of magnesium alloy grades
AZ61A properties
Typical room-temperature values for AZ61A-F; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AZ61A has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F).
Mechanical13
AZ61A has a yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AZ61A is rated for continuous service to 130°C (266 °F). It conducts heat at 80 W/m·K (46.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AZ61A conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AZ61A takes about 340 MJ of energy and emits 27 kg of CO₂ — more than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
AZ61A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (25/100).
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. AZ61A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AZ61A
Is AZ61A easy to machine?
Exceptional machinability — high speeds, low power, sharp tools with generous rake; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and have Class D powder on hand for fire risk.
Can AZ61A be welded?
GTAW/GMAW readily with ER AZ61A or AZ92A filler in argon or He-Ar; preheat thick sections, avoid crater cracks and stress-relieve (≈260 °C/15 min) welded assemblies to prevent chloride SCC.
Can AZ61A be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude and forge hot at ~300–400 °C; cold bending is very limited (large bend radii, ≥5t), so bending, stretching and deep drawing should be done warm.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to AZ61A. 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 |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair25 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better70 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
AZ61A 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 | 5.8 – 7.2 | 6.5 |
| Zn | 0.4 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Mn0.15 % min (Mn min may be waived if Fe/Mn ratio limits are met) | ≥ 0.15 | 0.25 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Other (each) | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others total | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on AZ61A?
Not anodizable in the aluminium sense — clean/pickle, apply chrome-free or chromate conversion coat or a Dow 17/HAE/PEO anodic layer, then epoxy prime and paint; insulate all steel/brass fasteners to stop galvanic attack.
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 AZ61A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does AZ61A cost?
AZ61A 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.
AZ61A — frequently asked
What is AZ61A used for?
AZ61A is typically used for aerospace brackets and fittings, bicycle wheel rims and frame tubing, extruded structural profiles, forged lever and linkage arms, portable equipment frames and welded magnesium tube assemblies. In short: higher-strength magnesium bar.
What is the yield strength of AZ61A?
AZ61A has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AZ61A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Exceptional machinability — high speeds, low power, sharp tools with generous rake; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and have Class D powder on hand for fire risk.
Can AZ61A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW/GMAW readily with ER AZ61A or AZ92A filler in argon or He-Ar; preheat thick sections, avoid crater cracks and stress-relieve (≈260 °C/15 min) welded assemblies to prevent chloride SCC.
What surface finishes work on AZ61A?
Not anodizable in the aluminium sense — clean/pickle, apply chrome-free or chromate conversion coat or a Dow 17/HAE/PEO anodic layer, then epoxy prime and paint; insulate all steel/brass fasteners to stop galvanic attack.
Can AZ61A be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude and forge hot at ~300–400 °C; cold bending is very limited (large bend radii, ≥5t), so bending, stretching and deep drawing should be done warm.
What is the maximum service temperature of AZ61A?
AZ61A is rated for continuous use to about 130°C (266 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does AZ61A cost?
AZ61A 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 AZ61A?
Yes — AZ61A is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B107/B107M — Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire — ASTM International (2013)
- ASTM B91 — Magnesium-Alloy Forgings — ASTM International (2017)
- AWS A5.19 / SFA-5.19 — Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (1992)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
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.