Magnesium Alloy MB2-H26
Supply condition
H26 = strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard
Pick when maximum sheet strength/stiffness-per-thickness is needed and forming is minimal.
Values for the H26 condition
Other MB2 tempers and conditions
MB2 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at MB2.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest, most formable condition — choose for deep hot forming, stretch forming and welded assemblies. | 150 | 245 | 21 | 49 HB | 96 W/m·K |
as-forged / die-forged ( , 300–400 °C) | For net-shape hot-forged brackets and housings; grain refinement gives isotropic mid-range strength. | 165 | 260 | 12 | 52 HB | — |
as-extruded bar, rod, tube and profile | Default condition for MB2 extrusions — good longitudinal strength, moderate anisotropy (low compressive yield). | 170 | 260 | 15 | 49 HB | 96 W/m·K |
H24Default Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Standard stocked sheet condition: best balance of strength, flatness and residual formability. | 220 | 290 | 15 | 73 HB | 96 W/m·K |
H26This page Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Pick when maximum sheet strength/stiffness-per-thickness is needed and forming is minimal. | 235 | 300 | 11 | 77 HB | — |
What is MB2-H26?
MB2-H26 is MB2 supplied in the H26 condition — pick when maximum sheet strength/stiffness-per-thickness is needed and forming is minimal. MB2-H26 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). MB2-H26 has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 566°C (1,051 °F). H24 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H26 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 18 MPa·√m (16.4 ksi·√in), better than 97% of magnesium alloy grades
- High strength — 235 MPa (34.1 ksi), better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 110°C (230 °F), worse than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
MB2-H26 properties
Typical room-temperature values for MB2-H26; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MB2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
MB2-H26 has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 566°C (1,051 °F).
Mechanical15
MB2-H26 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
MB2-H26 is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 50% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
MB2-H26 conducts electricity at 19 % IACS, better than 53% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (22/100), worse than 57% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MB2-H26 takes about 340 MJ of energy and emits 33 kg of CO₂ — more than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
MB2-H26's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (22/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MB2-H26
Is MB2 easy to machine?
Outstanding machinability — high speeds, sharp positive-rake tools, no coolant mist with water where avoidable; chips and fines are flammable, use dry vacuum collection and Class D extinguishers.
Can MB2 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded under Ar or Ar-He with AZ61A/AZ92A filler; clean oxide first, avoid brittle Fe/Ni contamination, stress-relieve welded H24 parts at ~150 °C to prevent SCC.
Can MB2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forming limited (large bend radii, 5–7 t); form at 230–300 °C where elongation exceeds 50 %, and hot-size or hot-draw deep parts.
What surface finishes work on MB2?
Do not use aluminium sulfuric anodize; apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow 17 anodic coating or MAO, then epoxy prime and topcoat; isolate from steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
MB2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alprincipal strengthener / solid-solution | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Zn | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Mnties up Fe, improves corrosion | 0.15 – 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Niimpurity limit, critical for corrosion | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Bemelt-protection addition, optional | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Others (each)total ≤ 0.30 % | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Mg | balance | — |
MB2-H26 — frequently asked
What is MB2-H26 used for?
MB2-H26 is typically used for sheet stock, extruded structural sections and electronics housings. In short: most common wrought magnesium; weldable magnesium sheet grade; very high machinability.
What is the yield strength of MB2-H26?
MB2-H26 has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is MB2-H26 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Outstanding machinability — high speeds, sharp positive-rake tools, no coolant mist with water where avoidable; chips and fines are flammable, use dry vacuum collection and Class D extinguishers.
Can MB2-H26 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded under Ar or Ar-He with AZ61A/AZ92A filler; clean oxide first, avoid brittle Fe/Ni contamination, stress-relieve welded H24 parts at ~150 °C to prevent SCC.
What surface finishes work on MB2-H26?
Do not use aluminium sulfuric anodize; apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/Dow 17 anodic coating or MAO, then epoxy prime and topcoat; isolate from steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Can MB2-H26 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forming limited (large bend radii, 5–7 t); form at 230–300 °C where elongation exceeds 50 %, and hot-size or hot-draw deep parts.
What is the maximum service temperature of MB2-H26?
MB2-H26 is rated for continuous use to about 110°C (230 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between MB2-H24 and MB2-O?
H24 is the default condition — standard stocked sheet condition: best balance of strength, flatness and residual formability. O: softest, most formable condition — choose for deep hot forming, stretch forming and welded assemblies. Yield strength is 220 MPa in H24 versus 150 MPa in O.
Sources
- ASTM B90/B90M Magnesium-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM (2015)
- ASTM B107/B107M Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes and Wire — ASTM (2013)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Magnesium Alloys (AZ31B) — ASM International (1990)
- Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys, ASM Specialty Handbook — ASM International (1999)
- MMPDS / MIL-HDBK-5 magnesium sheet allowables (AZ31B) — FAA/Battelle (2020)
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.