Magnesium Alloy MA8 FORG
Other
FORG = forged
Hot die-forged parts (300–400 °C); use when a shaped part must combine moderate strength with good weld repairability.
Values for the FORG condition
Other MA8 tempers and conditions
MA8 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at MA8.
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 |
FORGThis page 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 FORG?
MA8 FORG is MA8 in the FORG condition — hot die-forged parts (300–400 °C); use when a shaped part must combine moderate strength with good weld repairability. MA8 FORG has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi). MA8 FORG 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). M is the default condition FabDigit quotes; FORG is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 34 % IACS, better than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 40/100, better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 16 MPa·√m (14.6 ksi·√in), better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
MA8 FORG properties
Typical room-temperature values for MA8 FORG; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MA8 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
MA8 FORG 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 FORG has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi).
Thermal6
MA8 FORG 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 FORG 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 FORG 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 FORG's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MA8 FORG
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.
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.
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 | — |
MA8 FORG — frequently asked
What is MA8 FORG used for?
MA8 FORG 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 FORG?
MA8 FORG has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is MA8 FORG 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 FORG be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). 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 FORG?
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 FORG 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 FORG?
MA8 FORG 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.