Magnesium Alloy AZ91D
ASTM AZ91D · UNS M11916 · EN EN-MC21110, MgAl9Zn1
AZ91D is the most widely used magnesium die-casting alloy, a high-purity Mg-Al-Zn composition (UNS M11916, EN-MC21110) available as-cast, stress relieved, HIP, T4, T6 and as-printed.
Values for the As Cast condition
AZ91D tempers and conditions
AZ91D is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. As Cast is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Used on gravity/sand/permanent-mould AZ91 castings when maximum ductility and impact toughness are needed (not applicable to porous HPDC parts, which blister). | 90 | 275 | 14 | 55 HB | 11 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Highest yield strength/hardness combination for gravity-cast or HIPed AZ91 parts; ductility lower than T4. | 145 | 275 | 6 | 70 HB | 12 % IACS |
low-temperature anneal (approx. 200–260 °C, short hold) | Pick when machining distortion or residual casting/AM stress must be removed with minimal strength loss. | 150 | 220 | 3.5 | 60 HB | 12.2 % IACS |
Hot isostatic pressed | Choose for AM or gravity-cast AZ91D parts where internal porosity must be closed to lift ductility and fatigue life. | 150 | 250 | 6 | 65 HB | 12.5 % IACS |
As CastDefault as die cast | Standard high-pressure die cast condition — the way essentially all AZ91D is supplied and used. | 160 | 230 | 3 | 63 HB | — |
As fabricated | High-purity AZ91D (EN-MC21120, MgAl9Zn1(A)) in the as-fabricated F condition, typically high-pressure die cast — good strength, excellent castability, best-in-class salt-spray corrosion resistance among AZ91 variants. | 160 | 230 | 3 | 63 HB | 12 % IACS |
laser powder-bed fusion (SLM/L-PBF) from AZ91D powder, no post-heat-treat | Rapid-solidified AM condition: fine grain gives higher strength and hardness than die casting, but very low elongation and anisotropy — use with stress relief or HIP for load-bearing parts. | 240 | 285 | 2 | 88 HB | 60 W/m·K |
What is AZ91D?
AZ91D is the most widely used magnesium die-casting alloy, a high-purity Mg-Al-Zn composition (UNS M11916, EN-MC21110) available as-cast, stress relieved, HIP, T4, T6 and as-printed. It provides 160 MPa yield, 230 MPa tensile strength, 3% elongation and 63 HB with excellent fluidity for thin-wall automotive and electronics housings, plus the highest machinability rating in the family (98). Elongation is low, maximum service temperature is 120 °C, and high-pressure die castings are difficult to fusion weld because of trapped gas. AM60 is the alternative when ductility matters more than strength. AZ91D has a density of 1.81 g/cm³ (0.0654 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 470°C (878 °F). AZ91D has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is AZ91D used for?
- Laptop and display enclosures
- Automotive interior and instrument-panel supports
- Steering column and seat frame castings
- Powertrain and transmission covers
- Handheld power tool housings
- Camera and projector bodies
- EMI-shielded electronics chassis
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 85% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 40/100, worse than 75% of magnesium alloy grades
AZ91D properties
Typical room-temperature values for AZ91D-As Cast; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
AZ91D has a density of 1.81 g/cm³ (0.0654 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 470°C (878 °F).
Mechanical14
AZ91D has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
AZ91D is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 72 W/m·K (41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 69% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AZ91D conducts electricity at 12.2 % IACS, worse than 70% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AZ91D takes about 320 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — less than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
AZ91D's machinability is excellent (98/100, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability poor (15/100).
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. AZ91D is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AZ91D
Is AZ91D easy to machine?
Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any other structural metal — use sharp, high-rake, polished-flute tools, high speed and generous chip clearance; never let fine chips accumulate, keep dry or use mineral-oil coolant (no water-based) and have Class D extinguishing media at hand.
Can AZ91D be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with AZ92A or AZ61A filler works on low-porosity gravity castings and AM parts, but standard high-pressure die castings blister and crack from trapped gas — mechanical joining, adhesive bonding or friction stir spot welding are preferred.
Can AZ91D be formed, bent or molded?
A benchmark hot-chamber die casting alloy: excellent fluidity for 0.6–1.5 mm walls, low hot-tear tendency, long die life; essentially no cold formability (HCP), so any bending/forming must be done above ~230 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to AZ91D. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent98 / 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 |
AZ91D 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 | 8.3 – 9.7 | 9 |
| Zn | 0.35 – 1 | 0.7 |
| MnMn min tied to Fe/Mn ratio limit | 0.15 – 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Nihigh-purity limit for salt-spray performance | ≤ 0 | 0 |
| FeFe/Mn ratio ≤ 0.032 | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on AZ91D?
No sulfuric anodizing; specify chromate-free conversion coating or micro-arc/plasma electrolytic oxidation plus E-coat/powder coat, and isolate steel fasteners with washers or coatings to avoid galvanic attack; electroless Ni over a zinc-immersion pretreat is used where wear or EMI plating is required.
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 AZ91D in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M11916
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- EN-MC21110MgAl9Zn1EN-MC21120
- Trade names
- Die Cast Magnesium
- Also called
- AZ91D-F
- Similar grades
- ZM5MDC1D
How much does AZ91D cost?
AZ91D is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 62% 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.
AZ91D — frequently asked
What is AZ91D used for?
AZ91D is typically used for laptop and display enclosures, automotive interior and instrument-panel supports, steering column and seat frame castings, powertrain and transmission covers, handheld power tool housings and camera and projector bodies. In short: workhorse die-cast magnesium.
What is the yield strength of AZ91D?
AZ91D has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is AZ91D easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (98/100, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any other structural metal — use sharp, high-rake, polished-flute tools, high speed and generous chip clearance; never let fine chips accumulate, keep dry or use mineral-oil coolant (no water-based) and have Class D extinguishing media at hand.
Can AZ91D be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). GTAW/GMAW with AZ92A or AZ61A filler works on low-porosity gravity castings and AM parts, but standard high-pressure die castings blister and crack from trapped gas — mechanical joining, adhesive bonding or friction stir spot welding are preferred.
What surface finishes work on AZ91D?
No sulfuric anodizing; specify chromate-free conversion coating or micro-arc/plasma electrolytic oxidation plus E-coat/powder coat, and isolate steel fasteners with washers or coatings to avoid galvanic attack; electroless Ni over a zinc-immersion pretreat is used where wear or EMI plating is required.
Can AZ91D be formed, bent or molded?
A benchmark hot-chamber die casting alloy: excellent fluidity for 0.6–1.5 mm walls, low hot-tear tendency, long die life; essentially no cold formability (HCP), so any bending/forming must be done above ~230 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of AZ91D?
AZ91D 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 AZ91D As Cast and AZ91D-T4?
As Cast is the default condition — standard high-pressure die cast condition — the way essentially all AZ91D is supplied and used. T4: used on gravity/sand/permanent-mould AZ91 castings when maximum ductility and impact toughness are needed (not applicable to porous HPDC parts, which blister). Yield strength is 160 MPa in As Cast versus 90 MPa in T4.
How much does AZ91D cost?
AZ91D is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 62% 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 AZ91D?
Yes — AZ91D is available for CNC machining and casting & forging 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 and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM D1732 — Preparation of Magnesium Alloy Surfaces for Painting — ASTM International (2019)
- Published L-PBF AZ91D process/property studies (as-built and HIP) — peer-reviewed AM literature (2022)
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.