Magnesium Alloy MA8
MA8 is a GOST wrought Mg-Mn alloy equivalent to M1A, alloyed with manganese rather than aluminium and supplied as sheet, plate, extrusions and forgings in M, H, HR, F-EXT, FORG and AW conditions.
Reference datasheet — MA8 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the M condition
MA8 tempers and conditions
MA8 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. M is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As-welded deposit | Design value for TIG/MIG butt joints in annealed MA8 sheet — near-parent strength, which is why this grade is chosen for welded tanks and skins. | 120 | 230 | 8 | 42 HB | 33 % IACS |
MDefault Thermomechanically controlled processed | Standard stocked condition for MA8 sheet: softest, most formable and most weldable, use where forming or welding follows. | 130 | 240 | 15 | 45 HB | — |
Hot rolled | Thicker plate delivered as hot-rolled; balanced strength and ductility for machined structural parts. | 140 | 235 | 12 | 48 HB | 34 % IACS |
Forged | Hot die-forged parts (300–400 °C); use when a shaped part must combine moderate strength with good weld repairability. | 150 | 240 | 12 | 47 HB | 34 % IACS |
F | As-extruded bars and sections; slightly higher yield than annealed sheet due to worked texture, main form for machined brackets. | 165 | 250 | 12 | 48 HB | 34 % IACS |
Hardened | Choose for flat panels needing higher yield strength and stiffness-per-thickness where no severe forming or post-weld strength is required. | 200 | 265 | 8 | 55 HB | — |
What is MA8?
MA8 is a GOST wrought Mg-Mn alloy equivalent to M1A, alloyed with manganese rather than aluminium and supplied as sheet, plate, extrusions and forgings in M, H, HR, F-EXT, FORG and AW conditions. It is selected for welded magnesium structures, with weldability rated 90 and machinability 95 alongside 130 MPa yield, 240 MPa tensile, 15% elongation, 45 HB and service to 150 °C. Strength is lower than AZ31-type MA2, cold formability is limited (score 45), and full corrosion protection is mandatory. MA8 has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 648°C (1,198 °F). MA8 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi).
What is MA8 used for?
- welded fuel tanks
- sheet structures
- aircraft skin panels
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 34 % IACS, better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 45/100, better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 15%, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
MA8 properties
Typical room-temperature values for MA8-M; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
MA8 has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 648°C (1,198 °F).
Mechanical13
MA8 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi).
Thermal6
MA8 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
MA8 conducts electricity at 34 % IACS, better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (28/100), better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MA8 takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
MA8's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability fair (45/100).
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. MA8 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with MA8
Is MA8 easy to machine?
Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any aluminium — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant on fine chips, and keep swarf wet/contained because Mg fines are a fire hazard.
Can MA8 be welded?
Best-in-class among wrought Mg alloys: AC-TIG or MIG with matching Mg-Mn filler in argon, no post-weld heat treatment needed for the annealed condition; keep interpass clean and avoid moisture porosity.
Can MA8 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formability is limited by the HCP structure — bend radii ≥5t cold; form, deep-draw or stretch at 250–350 °C where elongation exceeds 40 %; stress-relieve cold-worked parts at ~260 °C.
MA8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mnprimary solid-solution / corrosion-improving addition | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2 |
| Cegrain refinement, hot-forming ductility | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Feimpurity; must stay low for corrosion | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Niimpurity; strongly harmful to corrosion | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Beoptional melt-protection addition | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on MA8?
Do not use aluminium sulphuric anodizing; specify chromate-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow 17 anodize or PEO, then epoxy primer + topcoat, and insulate all steel/copper fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy MA8 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- M1A
How much does MA8 cost?
MA8 is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
MA8 — frequently asked
What is MA8 used for?
MA8 is typically used for welded fuel tanks, sheet structures and aircraft skin panels. In short: most weldable wrought magnesium; aluminium-free Mg-Mn sheet; moderate strength only.
What is the yield strength of MA8?
MA8 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 71% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is MA8 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any aluminium — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant on fine chips, and keep swarf wet/contained because Mg fines are a fire hazard.
Can MA8 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Best-in-class among wrought Mg alloys: AC-TIG or MIG with matching Mg-Mn filler in argon, no post-weld heat treatment needed for the annealed condition; keep interpass clean and avoid moisture porosity.
What surface finishes work on MA8?
Do not use aluminium sulphuric anodizing; specify chromate-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow 17 anodize or PEO, then epoxy primer + topcoat, and insulate all steel/copper fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Can MA8 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formability is limited by the HCP structure — bend radii ≥5t cold; form, deep-draw or stretch at 250–350 °C where elongation exceeds 40 %; stress-relieve cold-worked parts at ~260 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of MA8?
MA8 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between MA8-M and MA8-H?
M is the default condition — standard stocked condition for MA8 sheet: softest, most formable and most weldable, use where forming or welding follows. H: choose for flat panels needing higher yield strength and stiffness-per-thickness where no severe forming or post-weld strength is required. Yield strength is 130 MPa in M versus 200 MPa in H.
How much does MA8 cost?
MA8 is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
Sources
- ГОСТ 14957-76 Сплавы магниевые деформируемые. Марки — Gosstandart (1976)
- ГОСТ 22635-77 Листы из магниевых сплавов — Gosstandart (1977)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys (M1A data) — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Марочник сталей и сплавов — МА8 — Mashinostroenie (2003)
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.