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Magnesium Alloy LA141A-H24

Temper

ASTM LA141A · UNS M14141

H24 = strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard

Cold-rolled sheet condition offering somewhat higher yield strength than T7 where forming demands are modest; less dimensionally stable over time.

High cost $$$$

Values for the H24 condition

Other LA141A tempers and conditions

LA141A is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at LA141A.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Annealed
Choose for maximum room-temperature formability (deep drawing, stretch forming) before final stabilizing treatment.951322545 HB14.5 % IACS
As fabricated
Mill condition for extrusions and plate that will be machined and stabilized by the user; properties are position- and lot-dependent.1101452052 HB14 % IACS
T7Default
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Standard aerospace supply condition per MIL-M-46130; best compromise of strength, ductility and dimensional stability against room-temperature aging.1171501855 HB—
H24This page
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard
Cold-rolled sheet condition offering somewhat higher yield strength than T7 where forming demands are modest; less dimensionally stable over time.1451651062 HB13.5 % IACS

What is LA141A-H24?

LA141A-H24 is LA141A in the H24 temper — cold-rolled sheet condition offering somewhat higher yield strength than T7 where forming demands are modest; less dimensionally stable over time. LA141A-H24 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi). LA141A-H24 has a density of 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), lighter than 100% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F). T7 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H24 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Lightweight — 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 65/100, better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 55°C (131 °F), worse than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 8/100, worse than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 93% of magnesium alloy grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 53 W/m·K (30.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of magnesium alloy grades

LA141A-H24 properties

Typical room-temperature values for LA141A-H24; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are LA141A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.

Physical3

LA141A-H24 has a density of 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), lighter than 100% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F).

Density1.35 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)570°C1,058 °F
Liquidus Temperature600°C1,112 °F

Mechanical12

LA141A-H24 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus43 GPa6.2 Msi
Shear Modulus16 GPa2.3 Msi
Bulk Modulus38 GPa5.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.36
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)165 MPa23.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)145 MPa21 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Compressive Strength140 MPa20.3 ksi
Shear Strength108 MPa15.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)65 MPa9.4 ksi
Hardness, Brinell62 HB
Hardness, Vickers64 HV

Thermal6

LA141A-H24 is rated for continuous service to 55°C (131 °F). It conducts heat at 53 W/m·K (30.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26.5 µm/m·K (14.7 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity53 W/m·K30.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,350 J/kg·K0.32 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)26.5 µm/m·K14.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion360 J/g155 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)55°C131 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

LA141A-H24 conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity13.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (8/100), worse than 100% of magnesium alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-1.7 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended8/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExtremely reactive: attacked by water, humid air, salt spray, acids and alcohols; must be chromate/anodic-coated and sealed. Reasonably stable in dry inert atmosphere and in contact with dry hydrocarbon oils.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of LA141A-H24 takes about 400 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — more than 98% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)32 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability8

LA141A-H24's machinability is excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (42/100); formability good (65/100).

MachinabilityExcellent90/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)420%
WeldabilityFair42/100
Formability (cold)Good65/100
CastabilityPoor30/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor15/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsen/a for conventional Al anodizing; use magnesium-specific treatments (HAE, Dow 17, micro-arc oxidation) or chromate/chrome-free conversion coating plus organic topcoat — protection is mandatory, not optional

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

Working with LA141A-H24

Is LA141A easy to machine?

Cuts extremely freely with sharp, high-rake carbide tools at high speed and dry or with mineral oil — never water-based coolant; collect and inert chips/fines, which are pyrophoric and can react with water to release hydrogen.

Can LA141A be welded?

GTAW or friction stir welding under very clean, high-purity argon with tight moisture control; Li oxidises and burns readily, joints lose strength and corrosion resistance, so mechanical fastening or FSW is preferred.

Can LA141A be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold formability thanks to the BCC β matrix — bending, deep drawing and stretch forming are feasible at room temperature, with warm forming (100–150 °C) for severe shapes; avoid hold times at temperature that trigger over-aging.

What surface finishes work on LA141A?

Never leave bare: apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow-17 anodic or micro-arc oxidation, then a sealed epoxy/polyurethane topcoat; isolate from all dissimilar metals with insulating washers and wet sealant to prevent violent galvanic attack.

LA141A 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
Liβ-phase stabiliser; >11% Li gives BCC structure13 – 1514
Al1 – 1.51.25
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Feimpurity limit, corrosion critical≤ 0.01—
Cuimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Niimpurity limit, corrosion critical≤ 0.01—
Naimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Others, each≤ 0.05—
Others, total≤ 0.3—
Mgbalance—

LA141A-H24 — frequently asked

What is LA141A-H24 used for?

LA141A-H24 is typically used for satellite structural panels, aerospace weight-critical brackets and specialty ultra-light frames. In short: lightest structural magnesium; cold-formable Mg-Li sheet; 65 °C service limit.

What is the yield strength of LA141A-H24?

LA141A-H24 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is LA141A-H24 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts extremely freely with sharp, high-rake carbide tools at high speed and dry or with mineral oil — never water-based coolant; collect and inert chips/fines, which are pyrophoric and can react with water to release hydrogen.

Can LA141A-H24 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (42/100). GTAW or friction stir welding under very clean, high-purity argon with tight moisture control; Li oxidises and burns readily, joints lose strength and corrosion resistance, so mechanical fastening or FSW is preferred.

What surface finishes work on LA141A-H24?

Never leave bare: apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow-17 anodic or micro-arc oxidation, then a sealed epoxy/polyurethane topcoat; isolate from all dissimilar metals with insulating washers and wet sealant to prevent violent galvanic attack.

Can LA141A-H24 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold formability thanks to the BCC β matrix — bending, deep drawing and stretch forming are feasible at room temperature, with warm forming (100–150 °C) for severe shapes; avoid hold times at temperature that trigger over-aging.

What is the maximum service temperature of LA141A-H24?

LA141A-H24 is rated for continuous use to about 55°C (131 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between LA141A-T7 and LA141A-H24?

T7 is the default condition — standard aerospace supply condition per MIL-M-46130; best compromise of strength, ductility and dimensional stability against room-temperature aging. H24: cold-rolled sheet condition offering somewhat higher yield strength than T7 where forming demands are modest; less dimensionally stable over time. Yield strength is 117 MPa in T7 versus 145 MPa in H24.

Sources

  1. MIL-M-46130 — Magnesium-Lithium Alloy (LA141A) Sheet and Plate — US DoD (1970)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Magnesium-Lithium alloys) — ASM International (1990)
  3. MIL-HDBK-5 / MMPDS — Magnesium alloy design allowables — US DoD / Battelle (1998)
  4. ASTM B951 / UNS M14141 designation practice for magnesium alloys — ASTM International (2011)
  5. ASM Alloy Phase Diagrams — Mg-Li system — ASM International (2016)

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.