Magnesium alloys have traditionally been specified by designers because of their favourable strength to weight ratios. Magnesium is approximately two thirds the density of aluminium and a quarter that of steel. Some of the more recently developed magnesium alloys have also improved resistance to corrosion and better all round mechanical properties, especially at elevated temperature.
The growing number of available magnesium alloys are divided into two groups: casting alloys and wrought alloys. Wrought product forms (described below) include both extruded sections and rolled sheet/plate along with tubes and forgings. Various heat treatments are used to attain maximum strength and machining of most magnesium alloys is excellent.
Applications for magnesium alloys can be found in aerospace and motorsport sectors where strength combined with reduced weight are of critical importance. Gearbox components, pistons and casings are typical applications. Magnesium forgings are becoming more popular with designers for high temperature applications. New alloys continue to be developed and more recent applications have included electronics and nuclear engineering.
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Nearest Equivalent Specification |
Available Products |
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AZ31
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A medium strength magnesium alloy used in sheet and extrusion forms at relatively low temperatures. The alloy is weldable and can be formed easily. Good corrosion resistance. |
| AMS
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4375, 4376
4377, 4382
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AZ61
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A medium strength general purpose magnesium alloy containing aluminium, zinc and manganese. The alloy is gas arc weldable. |
| BS
AMS |
L503, L512, L513
4350 |
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AZ80
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A high strength magnesium alloy used in extrusions and simple forging forms. Aluminium, manganese and zinc are the major alloying elements. |
| AMS
FED |
4360
QQ-M-31B & 44B |
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WE43
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A high strength magnesium alloy with good properties at elevated temperatures. Excellent corrosion resistance due to addition of yttrium. TIG weldable and usually heat treated. |
| UNS
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M18430
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WE54
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A high strength magnesium alloy close to WE43 in composition but with superior mechanical properties. Corrosion resistance and weldability are excellent. Usually heat treated. |
| UNS
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M18410
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ZK60
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A high strength magnesium alloy often used in forgings for relatively low temperature applications. Not easily welded and heat treatment is required to obtain strength characteristics. |
| AMS
FED |
4352, 4362
QQ-M-40 |
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ZM21
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A medium strength magnesium alloy used is sheet and extrusion forms. Fully weldable using the argon gas process and easily formed. |
| BS |
3370, 3372,
3373 |
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ZW3
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A high strength magnesium alloy containing zinc and zirconium. Mainly used in forgings and extrusions. This alloy is weldable in normal conditions. |
| BS
BS |
L505, L514
3372, 3373 |
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Casting Alloys
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AM50, AM60, A281, AZ91, EQ21, EZ33, EV31, WE43, WE54, ZE41 |
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