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Magnesium Alloy AZ61B AS-WELDED

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ASTM AZ61B · UNS M11610 · EN MgAl6Zn, 3.5612

Reference condition when AZ61B wire is used as GTAW/GMAW filler on AZ31/AZ61 structures or for weld-repair.

CNC machiningSheet metalStandard cost $$

Values for the AS-WELDED condition

Other AZ61B tempers and conditions

AZ61B is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AZ61B.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
AS-WELDEDThis page
AZ61 filler deposit / welded joint
Reference condition when AZ61B wire is used as GTAW/GMAW filler on AZ31/AZ61 structures or for weld-repair.160250855 HB13.5 % IACS
as-forged / press-forged stock
Use for press forgings and forged blanks where section changes are large; slightly lower strength than extrusions.1802951255 HB13.8 % IACS
FDefault
As fabricated
Standard stocked condition for AZ61B extrusions; best combination of strength, ductility and cost.2303101660 HB—
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged
Pick when a modest yield-strength gain over F is needed on heavy extrusions, accepting lower elongation.2503201265 HB14.2 % IACS

What is AZ61B AS-WELDED?

AZ61B AS-WELDED is AZ61B in the AS-WELDED condition — reference condition when AZ61B wire is used as GTAW/GMAW filler on AZ31/AZ61 structures or for weld-repair. AZ61B AS-WELDED has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). AZ61B AS-WELDED 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AS-WELDED is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades

AZ61B AS-WELDED properties

Typical room-temperature values for AZ61B AS-WELDED; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AZ61B reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.

Physical3

AZ61B AS-WELDED 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).

Density1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)510°C950 °F
Liquidus Temperature620°C1,148 °F

Mechanical13

AZ61B AS-WELDED has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus45 GPa6.5 Msi
Shear Modulus17 GPa2.5 Msi
Bulk Modulus45 GPa6.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.35
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)250 MPa36.3 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Elongation at Break8%
Compressive Strength110 MPa16 ksi
Shear Strength125 MPa18.1 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)80 MPa11.6 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell55 HB

Thermal6

AZ61B AS-WELDED is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 78 W/m·K (45.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity78 W/m·K45.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion370 J/g159 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

AZ61B AS-WELDED conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity13.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.28×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.04 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-1.55 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor18/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryResists dry air, alkalis, most anhydrous organics and fuels; rapidly attacked by acids, chlorides, seawater and moist salt spray; severe galvanic attack when coupled to steel, Cu or graphite — requires conversion coating/anodize plus paint and isolating fasteners.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of AZ61B AS-WELDED takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)350 MJ/kg150,473 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)30 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

AZ61B AS-WELDED's machinability is excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability not recommended (12/100).

MachinabilityExcellent90/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)380%
WeldabilityVery good70/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended12/100
CastabilityFair50/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor20/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a on the aluminium/titanium scale; takes magnesium-specific treatments well — chromate/chrome-free conversion coating, Dow 17, HAE and plasma-electrolytic (Keronite-type) anodize as paint base.

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with AZ61B AS-WELDED

Is AZ61B easy to machine?

Outstanding machinability — high speeds, low cutting forces, sharp positive-rake tools, dry or with mineral oil; never use water-based coolant on fine chips and keep swarf collected (fire risk, no water extinguishers).

Can AZ61B be welded?

Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with AC or pulsed DC using AZ61A/AZ92A filler under argon; preheat 150–250 °C for thick sections, stress relieve to avoid SCC, avoid oxyfuel and flux-heavy processes.

Can AZ61B be formed, bent or molded?

Hot extrudes and forges well at 300–400 °C; cold formability is poor — bend, draw or spin at 200–300 °C with generous radii (min bend radius ≈ 5–7 t cold).

What surface finishes work on AZ61B?

Always apply a chromate-free conversion coat, Dow 17/HAE or plasma-electrolytic anodize followed by epoxy primer/topcoat; isolate from steel, brass and carbon fasteners to prevent galvanic pitting.

AZ61B 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Alprincipal solid-solution/Mg17Al12 strengthener5.8 – 7.26.5
Zn0.4 – 1.50.9
MnMn controls Fe for corrosion resistance0.15 – 0.50.25
Si≤ 0.1—
Cumax; B-variant limits are slightly more permissive than AZ61A (secondary-metal tolerance)≤ 0.05—
Ni≤ 0.01—
Fe≤ 0.01—
Camax, where specified≤ 0.03—
Others (each)total others 0.30 max≤ 0.05—
Mgbalance—

AZ61B AS-WELDED — frequently asked

What is AZ61B AS-WELDED used for?

AZ61B AS-WELDED is typically used for structural extrusions and profiles, aircraft fittings, forged brackets and levers, bicycle and frame tubing, portable equipment housings and welded frame assemblies. In short: higher-strength wrought magnesium.

What is the yield strength of AZ61B AS-WELDED?

AZ61B AS-WELDED has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is AZ61B AS-WELDED easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades). Outstanding machinability — high speeds, low cutting forces, sharp positive-rake tools, dry or with mineral oil; never use water-based coolant on fine chips and keep swarf collected (fire risk, no water extinguishers).

Can AZ61B AS-WELDED be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with AC or pulsed DC using AZ61A/AZ92A filler under argon; preheat 150–250 °C for thick sections, stress relieve to avoid SCC, avoid oxyfuel and flux-heavy processes.

What surface finishes work on AZ61B AS-WELDED?

Always apply a chromate-free conversion coat, Dow 17/HAE or plasma-electrolytic anodize followed by epoxy primer/topcoat; isolate from steel, brass and carbon fasteners to prevent galvanic pitting.

Can AZ61B AS-WELDED be formed, bent or molded?

Hot extrudes and forges well at 300–400 °C; cold formability is poor — bend, draw or spin at 200–300 °C with generous radii (min bend radius ≈ 5–7 t cold).

What is the maximum service temperature of AZ61B AS-WELDED?

AZ61B AS-WELDED 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 AZ61B-F and AZ61B-T5?

F is the default condition — standard stocked condition for AZ61B extrusions; best combination of strength, ductility and cost. T5: pick when a modest yield-strength gain over F is needed on heavy extrusions, accepting lower elongation. Yield strength is 230 MPa in F versus 250 MPa in T5.

Can FabDigit make parts in AZ61B AS-WELDED?

Yes — AZ61B AS-WELDED 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

  1. ASTM B107/B107M — Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire — ASTM International (2013)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Magnesium alloys) — ASM International (1990)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (Magnesium) — ASM International (2005)
  4. DIN 1729 / material 3.5612 (MgAl6Zn) wrought magnesium alloys — DIN (1982)
  5. AWS A5.19 — Specification for Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (1992)

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.