SAE AMS 3171
Magnesium Alloy, Processes for Pretreatment and Prevention of Corrosion on
Provides the magnesium-alloy pretreatment and corrosion-prevention requirements published by SAE as AMS-M-3171.
What SAE AMS 3171 specifies
SAE AMS 3171 is a commonly shortened drawing and supplier designation for SAE AMS-M-3171, the adopted replacement for MIL-M-3171. It addresses multiple magnesium pretreatments, including chrome pickle, dichromate conversion, galvanic and fluoride anodizing, brush touch-up, and chromate paint-base treatments. The types are not interchangeable, and several rely on hexavalent chromium. A complete purchase requirement must identify the selected type, magnesium alloy, significant surfaces, whether the treatment is temporary protection or a paint base, subsequent primer timing, touch-up limits, and any chrome-free restriction. Procurement should control the official AMS-M-3171A document even when the drawing omits the hyphenated M.
SAE AMS 3171 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|
Types I–VIII | Chemical and anodic processes selected by exact type; they are not performance-equivalent. | Tests and process controls applicable to the selected type. |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Visual appearance and complete coverage
- Process qualification and solution control
- Paint adhesion where required
- Selected-type corrosion evaluation
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
TREAT MAGNESIUM PER SAE AMS 3171 (AMS-M-3171), TYPE <TYPE>, <PAINT BASE|TEMPORARY PROTECTION>, <MASKING>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
Finishes specified to SAE AMS 3171
SAE AMS 3171 — frequently asked
Is SAE AMS 3171 different from AMS-M-3171?
In this finish context it is the same magnesium-treatment document cited in shortened form. Purchase and certification records should reference the official AMS-M-3171A designation.
Which type should a buyer choose?
Selection depends on alloy, whether the part will be painted, dimensional sensitivity, and environmental restrictions. Do not let the processor choose among the types without engineering approval.
Can a supplier certify only to SAE AMS 3171?
The certificate should identify the controlled revision and exact treatment type. A bare designation does not establish which chemical or anodic process was used.
SAE AMS 3171 is copyrighted by SAE International. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗